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Cinco De Mayo: Margaritas, Mariachis & Mexican Independence Day?

by Tina Kells | May 5, 2009 at 10:42 am

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Contrary to some popular belief Cinco De Mayo (May 5) is not Mexican Independence Day, which actually occurs on September 15.

Most Cinco De Mayo celebrations in North America involve "fun" things that are considered Mexican like; sombreros, Coronas and Dos Equis, Margaritas, Mariachi Bands and great food. But for Mexicans, the date of May 5 has a more solemn history.

Cinco De Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 Battle of Pueblo in which heavily outnumbered Mexican forces beat French troops. The Battle of Pueblo was the first time that the French army had lost a confrontation in nearly half a century.

The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually September 16.

Until the 1980's Cinco De Mayo was not widely celebrated outside the Mexican state of Puebla and to this day it is not considered a national holiday in Mexico. Yet most people in North America associate Cinco De Mayo with Mexico often making trips to that country in search of an authentic celebration.

Cinco De Mayo is celebrated in many countries throughout the world, particularly the United States, as a date to honor Mexican culture and heritage. It has been celebrated by Mexican ex-patriots in the United States since 1863 but did not become the popular beer drinking secular event we now know it as until more than one hundred years later, in the 1980's.

Previous to the 1980's Cinco De Mayo was not just an excuse to party with Mexican beer, margaritas and mariachi music. It was an observance of a tremendous victory for the Mexican people in the face of what should have been certain loss. The original association with the cultural pride such a win inspires has been overshadowed by fun and frolicking, much like Irish Saint Patrick's Day celebrations.

Photos

Cinco De Mayo - May 5, 2009 West Side - St. Paul, Minnesota

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uploaded by MarinaCastillo

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Skincare (not verified)

at 05:45 on May 6th, 2009

I think it is important for Mexico to have a special day in which to celebrate their independence. While the date may have a solemn history the Mexicans really know how to party so why not kick up their heals and enjoy a few Margaritas.