Do people celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Mexico? Is it their Independence Day?
The Cinco de Mayo holiday celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the Second French Empire intent on subjugating the nation at the Battle of Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo, which translates to ‘Fifth of May’ in English, is a Mexican holiday that is also celebrated in the United States thanks to the large Mexican-American community. However, contrary to popular belief, it is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That holiday, known as ‘Dia de la Independencia’, is celebrated on 16 September and marks the country’s independence from Spain in 1810.
While some parts of Mexico recognize the day as a public holiday, it is not a national public holiday. Nor is it in the US but the celebrations are generally much larger and can be found across the nation.
Over the years, it has become one of the biggest Mexican cultural celebrations of the year, where Mexican-Americans take pride in their culture and heritage. In fact, the holiday generates as many beer sales as the Super Bowl.
So, what is Cinco de Mayo and why is it celebrated?
The holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place on 5 May, 1862. During this battle, a small Mexican army defeated a larger French force, which had been sent to establish French control in Mexico.
While the Battle of Puebla was an important moment for Mexican pride, it did not ultimately prevent the French from taking control of Mexico. The French continued their campaign and eventually established a short-lived empire under the rule of Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, site of the historic battle. The holiday is marked with parades, reenactments, and other cultural events that highlight the bravery and sacrifice of the Mexican soldiers who fought in the battle.
However, outside of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico.
So why is Cinco de Mayo such a big deal in the United States?
Five years after the 1862 Battle of Puebla, the first commemorations of the Mexican victory were held in Texas. The state had been a part of Mexico when General Ignacio Zaragoza, the leader of the Mexican forces at Puebla, was born there. Impressed by the celebrations more and more people joined Mexican-Americans each year.
Another major factor in the popularising of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US was the so-called ‘Good Neighbour’ policy that Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administrations enacted in the 1930s. In a departure from previous methods of military force, FDR sought to establish a new era of partnership based on shared interests and values with Latin America.
As the decades went on, the commemoration of Cinco de Mayo evolved from a celebration of the victory to a general day for Mexican-Americans, much like Saint Patrick’s Day has become.
Another reason is the large Mexican-American population in the country, which has helped to popularise the holiday over the years. Additionally, many businesses and marketers see Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to promote Mexican food, drinks, and culture.