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Cinco de Mayo
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 Cinco
de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States by both Mexicans
and Americans (and Mexican-Americans…), but many people do
not the true reason why we celebrate it.
Why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, “The Fifth of May?”
Many Americans, if they had to guess, would suggest that this day
is celebrated as a Mexican Independence Day. In truth, Mexico's
Independence Day is celebrated on the 16th of September.
Rather, Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexican victory over the French
occupational forces on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. The
Battle of Puebla is so important and so celebrated because a Mexican
force of only 4,500 men battled a force of Napoleon III's
French Army numbering 6,000. This battle only lasted four hours,
and the smaller Mexican Army won! They had been led by General Ignacio
Zaragoza.
As you can expect, the best and most rambunctious place to celebrate
Cinco de Mayo is in the state of Puebla, where the battle had taken
place. Of course, this famous holiday is celebrated elsewhere throughout
Mexicoa (and in the U.S.), but the best partying occurs in Puebla.
The regular way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is with good food and
drink and also music an dancing, of course. These are elements that
should be incorporated into celebrations of any holiday!
And do not forget the parades! There are great parades that take
place on Cinco de Mayo, full of brilliant colors. Some marchers
dress as French and Mexican generals, other dress as soldiers, and
there are also women. Women had traveled with the army to cook and
care for the men.
The parade ends with a “battle” with rifles and cannons
roaring. There are many other traditions that are involved in Cinco
de Mayo celebrations, this is just one example. There are also speeches,
games, fireworks, piñatas, bullfights, and more.
Cinco de Mayo is not a day to simply celebrate the winning of a
battle. Rather, Cinco de Mayo represents much more than just a win.
Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate independence, pride, and freedom.
The holiday means so much more when you know exactly why it is
celebrated. Now that you know, go out and celebrate!
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