National Holidays are times for cultures to coalesce and instill national pride. These Holidays are celebrated for a variety of reasons ranging from gaining national independence to honoring a favorite son. Mexico celebrates 5 de mayo (May 5th) as a symbol of unity and patriotism. It is not the date of Mexico’s Independence as many believe it to be. Rather it marks the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla, a victory in which Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves against any foreign invasion.
Cinco de Mayo's history has its roots in the French Occupation of Mexico. The French occupation took shape in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48. With this war, Mexico entered a period of national crisis during the 1850's. Years of not only fighting the Americans but also a Civil War had left Mexico devastated and bankrupt. On July 17, 1861, President Benito Juarez decreed that all foreign debt payments would be suspended for a brief period of two years, with the promise that after this period payments would resume.
The English and Spanish eventually accepted this dictum but the French used this as an excuse to invade the Country. In reality their intention was to create an Empire in Mexico under Napoleon III. . The French forces were allied with the Mexican conservatives to overthrow the liberal government of President Juárez.
In 1862, the French army, led by General Laurencez, began its advance. This army was opposed by the Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza with 5,000 ill-equipped Mestizo and Zapotec Indians. Laurencez was so sure of his superiority that he attacked the Mexican army head on as a sign of his contempt. This mistake cost the lives of one thousand Frenchmen on that battlefield. In a surprise ending General Zaragoza defeated the French and made them retreat.
The retreat was temporary and ultimately the French did establish an Empire headed by the ill-fated Maximilian. Eventually Benito Juarez regained power and had Maximilian killed by an execution squad along with his Mexican Generals.
Oddly enough, Cinco de Mayo has become more of a Mexican American holiday than a Mexican one. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on a much larger scale in the United States than it is in Mexico. It has become a symbol of what a people can do when defending their culture and their land. Latinos, Chicanos and various communities of Mexican origin have adopted this national holiday as an opportunity for celebrating their roots, defending their customs and the richness of their culture. In cities with a large Hispanic population, big fiestas are held with food, music, dancing, art, handicrafts