Ask most Americans about the significance of Cinco de Mayo, and you may get the response that it’s Mexican Independence Day. Sorry, wrong answer. Mexican Independence Day is September 16. It’s a common misconception and a lot more convenient than the truth behind the holiday, which is somewhat complicated.
May 5, 1862
On this date, the Mexican army won an unexpected victory over their French occupiers at the Battle of Puebla. The French had the larger and better-equipped army, but the Mexican soldiers under General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin defeated this great force. There was a David and Goliath aspect to the victory, as France was one of the world’s most powerful nations, and it has been celebrated ever since.
France, Spain and Great Britain invaded Mexico in 1861 after Mexican President Benito Juarez’s administration defaulted on its debt payments to these lenders. In late 1861, these forces occupied Veracruz and drove out Juarez. By the time of the Battle of Puebla, the other two countries had left after realizing that France’s aim was to seize the entire country.
Short-lived victory
Just one year later, the French army defeated the Mexican military and captured Mexico City. In April 1864, Maximilian — the younger brother of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I — was installed as emperor. He had colluded with French Emperor Napoleon III to conquer Mexico. This monarch ruled Mexico from 1864 to early 1867.
The end of Maximilian
The US did not want European intervention in this hemisphere, as per the Monroe Doctrine, but its own war precluded action. Once the American Civil War was over, the US could again turn its attention to its southern neighbor. The US did not recognize Maximilian’s rule and supported Juarez. By 1866, Secretary of State William Seward implied that war with France may result if there was not a withdrawal. Napoleon III began withdrawing his armies in May of that year, urging that Maximilian step down and return to Europe with the French forces. It was too late — Maximilian tried to escape but was caught. After a court-martial, he was sentenced to death and executed on June 19, 1867.
Cinco de Mayo in the US
Cinco de Mayo in the US is celebrated in a bigger way than it is in Mexico. Only in Puebla does the Mexican observation equal that of its northern neighbor. Of course, celebration revolves around tequila, beer with lime, mariachi bands, barbecue and all the trimmings. Because General Zaragoza’s birth occurred in Goliad, in what is now part of the Lone Star state, Texas declared the town the official place to celebrate the holiday. Along with the usual festivities, Goliad officials give speeches about Zaragoza and the Cinco de Mayo’s significance.
Best places to celebrate
Cities with large Mexican-American populations focus the most attention on Cinco de Mayo celebrations, but they aren’t the only ones. Here are some of the top places to honor the fifth of May:
- Los Angeles — In LA, Cinco de Mayo isn’t limited to just one day. The city hosts Fiesta Broadway, taking place over most of the week.
- New York City — If there’s a holiday, there’s likely to be a New York City parade. Cinco de Mayo is no exception, and the fun starts on Central Park West. Watch the musicians and colorful floats, and then head out to one of the city’s numerous Mexican restaurants to drink and dine.
- Washington, DC — The nation’s capital celebrates all Latin American culture during weeklong celebration, with various performances held in front of the Washington Monument.
- Phoenix — Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout the city. Be on hand for the famous Chihuahua races in Chandler.
- San Antonio — Market Square is the center of activity on May 5. The food, drinks and atmosphere are perhaps the most authentic of any US celebration.
When you’re knocking back a cold one and enjoying hot, spicy food, give some thought to the Mexican patriots who defeated a great army 154 years ago. They are the reason this date has lived on in history.
—Jane Meggitt
Jane Meggitt graduated from New York University and worked as a staff writer for a major New Jersey newspaper chain. Her work on pets, equines and health have appeared in dozens of publications, including The Daily Puppy, The Nest Pets, Horse News, Hoof Beats and Horseback magazines.
Sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/05/05/cinco-de-mayo-explained/26916669
http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/living/feat-cinco-de-mayo-5-things