What Is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is a traditional Mexican celebration that is held once every year. Cinco de Mayo is actually Spanish for Fifth of May, which is the day the celebration is held. This day is significant because it marks a famous day in Mexico’s history.
While Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican celebration, it does not mean that you have to be Mexican to get involved. The celebration is a lot of fun and all are welcome, while for Americans, it is also a chance to get a break from work. Here’s a look at just what Cinco de Mayo is and why you should join in with the celebrations.
1. Not Mexico’s Independence Day
Many countries have an Independence Day, and understandably so. Shaking off colonization by other nations and being able to stand on your own two feet is a big deal, and it is often celebrated every year with considerable enthusiasm. Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but they would be wrong. Cinco de Mayo is actually a celebration that commemorates defeating France in the battle of Puebla, which took place on the May 5, 1862. Mexico does have an Independence Day, however, which is on the September 16. Regardless of the reason for the celebration, it is still celebrated with enthusiasm.
2. They Were Underdogs
Certain European countries, including France, were very powerful during the colonial days. Their wealth and military might meant that other countries were often pummeled into submission and had little choice but to obey their masters. That didn’t mean the smaller countries didn’t fight back sometimes, though, and there were some surprises.
At the battle of Puebla, the French army was by far the more powerful. They had more men and they were better equipped, with weapons that should have given the Mexican army no chance. Regardless, the underdogs won the battle against all odds. That Mexico was so much of an underdog is one of the reasons why the battle is still studied today.
3. Foiling Napoleon III’s Plans
The American Civil War was fought between the South (the confederates), and the North (the unionists), and the main catalyst for the war was disagreements between the two over slavery. The North, who opposed slavery, won the war, but it could have been very different if it were not for the Mexicans winning the battle of Puebla.
Napoleon III was in support of the Confederate army and intended to help them during the war. His plan was to establish a base at Puebla, from which he would be able to support the Confederates. The Mexicans had other ideas, however, and foiled his plans at the war of Puebla.
4. They Lost the War
The battle of Puebla was a momentous victory for the Mexicans and morale would have been soaring after the event. The Mexicans might have felt as though the French had had enough, but that wasn’t to be. The French returned again, overwhelming the Mexicans and ultimately winning the war.
That the French won overall paved the way for the Second Mexican Empire, a period when Mexico was under foreign rule. Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian was handed the rule over Mexico and appointed Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. This period was relatively short-lived, with Mexico gaining independence again just four years later.
5. Good Neighbors
Mexico and the United States share a border, so it should come as no surprise that the two nations have a close relationship with each other. Many Americans vacation in Mexico each year with some relocating there permanently, while many Mexicans have taken the opportunity to move to America to live there.
In 1933, President Roosevelt wanted to improve the relationship between the two nations and, to help achieve this, he implemented the “Good Neighbor Policy.” To help encourage this, he officially endorsed Cinco de Mayo celebrations in America. Even before the celebrations were recognized by Roosevelt, Mexicans living in America would celebrate it anyway.
6. Cinco de Mayo in the USA
It is great to be able to take a day off from time to time. Holidays in particular are enjoyable because everybody else gets to take a break as well. This means you get to share the occasion with friends and family, and many people will make specific arrangements for the occasion.
While Cinco de Mayo was celebrated by so many for a very long time, it was not officially made a national holiday until 2005. It was President George W. Bush that chose to recognize the significance of the event by holding an annual reception at the White House. Perhaps ironically, it is not a national holiday in Mexico.
7. Music
Latino music is popular the world over. Its lively nature makes it enjoyable for just about everybody and it is ideal for any type of celebration where people want to have a good time. It would make sense that a Latino celebration would feature Latino music, and that is exactly what we get on Cinco de Mayo.
Where there is a Cinco de Mayo celebration, there is likely to be Mariachi music. This lively, festival atmosphere music was developed in the 19th century. Mariachi would travel all over the country, carrying news of events elsewhere and singing songs of bravery and heroic deeds.
8. Mole Poblano
At Christmas and Thanksgiving, it is traditional to have Turkey. At Easter, we have Easter eggs, and pumpkin pie is a traditional treat on Halloween. Celebrations all come with their own traditions and this can include having certain types of food on the occasion.
When it comes to Cinco de Mayo, it is traditional for those taking part to enjoy some mole poblano. Mole poblano is a type of sauce that is made from dark chocolate mixed with spices and is typically poured over turkey or chicken. It is also often served with frijoles and rice. If you want to try it yourself, you will find plenty of recipes online.
9. Dressing Up
One of the best things about celebrations is being able to dress up. Certain celebrations will have traditional ways of dressing. For example, Halloween is a great opportunity for us to dress up in fancy dress. Cinco de Mayo is no exception, and many people who get involved get to wear clothes that they would not usually wear.
If you want to join in with the celebrations, it is a good opportunity for you to don your sombrero and maybe a poncho. For ladies, there’s Puebla dresses, which are beautiful dresses that are full of bright colors. If buying them is expensive for you then you could always consider rentals.
10. It’s Growing
Festivals and other events often start locally, only to gradually become increasingly popular as they spread. Some might die out altogether, while others can become huge events globally. If the event is a lot of fun, it has more chance of other people wanting to join in the celebrations.
Cinco de Mayo certainly is a lot of fun, so it is no wonder that other people will want to get involved. It’s not just in Mexico and the United States that its popularity is growing either. It is also seeing an increase in popularity in other countries all over the planet.
