Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated on May 5th to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
While it is not Mexico’s Independence Day, it is still a significant holiday that is celebrated throughout the country, especially in the state of Puebla.
Here are the top 5 places where the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations take place:
Puebla, Mexico
The birthplace of Cinco de Mayo, Puebla hosts the largest and most elaborate celebrations in the country. The city comes alive with parades, battle reenactments, traditional food and music, folk dancing.
Los Angeles, California
With its large Mexican-American population, Los Angeles is home to the second-largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world. The Fiesta Broadway festival features live music, food booths.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations are known for their vibrant street festivals, featuring live music, traditional Mexican cuisine, and colorful parades.
San Diego, California
San Diego’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Old Town is a lively celebration with traditional Mexican food, music, dancing, and family-friendly activities.
What happened on May 5, 1862?
On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated a much larger French force at the Battle of Puebla.
Despite being outnumbered and less equipped, the Mexican troops managed to defeat one of the most powerful military forces of that time, which is celebrated as a symbol of resilience and national pride.
This victory was a major turning point in the Second French Intervention in Mexico, and it gave the Mexican people hope that they could eventually defeat the French invaders.
Why Did France Invade Mexico?
During the administration led by Antonio López de Santa Ana, which lasted until 1855, the Republic of Mexico was bankrupt and declared a suspension of payments on its foreign debt.
President Benito Juárez, observing Mexico’s dire economic situation, decided to suspend debt payments to Spain, England, and France, as these accounted for 70 percent of the country’s economic resources.
Following this announcement, the creditor nations formed an alliance called the London Convention to pressure Mexico into settling its debts. The three countries united and mobilized their troops to the Mexican Republic.
Both England and Spain agreed to negotiate and reached an understanding with Foreign Minister Manuel Doblado, prompting them to reembark their troops and return to their countries. However, France demanded immediate payment of the debt. Following the orders of Napoleon III, Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count of Lorencez, continued with plans to establish a monarchy in Mexico.
This decision led to the breakup of the tripartite alliance and the violation of the ‘Preliminary Treaties of La Soledad,’ sparking an armed conflict between Mexico and France. The first shots were fired at El Fortín in Veracruz on April 19, 1862.
Who Participated in the Battle of Puebla?
France invaded Mexico on April 27, 1862, advancing from Acutzingo, Veracruz, to the outskirts of Puebla.
The key figures in the battle, which took place on May 5, were General Ignacio Zaragoza, Porfirio Díaz, the troops of the Eastern Army, and Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count of Lorencez, leading the French army.
The Beginning of the Battle of Puebla
At 9 a.m. on that May 5, with the firing of a Mexican cannon, one of the most glorious days in our national history began.
The French command concentrated its effort on the Fort of Guadalupe, launching an initial attack on this point. Despite the superior weaponry of General Charles Ferdinand Latrille, Count of Lorencez’s forces, they were stopped by the national troops.
The French attack on the Fort of Guadalupe was repeated twice more.
However, the Mexican soldiers managed to repel them on both occasions, thereby forcing the French retreat.
How Long Did the Battle of Puebla Last?
On the afternoon of that same May 5, the French Expeditionary Army began to be repelled by the Mexican troops and retreated towards Amozoc. Against all expectations, the Mexican army defeated one of the most powerful troops of the 19th century, the French. This unexpected victory filled the Mexican people with glory and honor.
Where Was It Won?
The courage, bravery, and patriotism shown by the men commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza made this military event a symbol of the defense of sovereignty and independence of our nation. In that glorious day, the arms of the Supreme Government were covered in glory.
The best army in the world, the French, was defeated by the first sons of Mexico, at the foothills of the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, in the city of Puebla.
What Happened After?
The French would return the following year, 1863, and a second battle was fought in Puebla where 35,000 French faced 29,000 Mexicans (a defense that lasted 62 days) and they would advance to Mexico City, allowing the establishment of the Second Mexican Empire.
Finally, after losing 11,000 men due to persistent guerrilla activity, the French unconditionally withdrew from the country in 1867 by the decree of Emperor Napoleon III, facing the threat of Prussia in Europe and the American threat to invade if they did not withdraw from Mexico.
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico’s Independence Day?
No, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. It commemorates the victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla.
When is Mexican Independence Day?
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th. It marks the anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule, beginning with the famous “Grito de Dolores” by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810.
LEE TAMBIÉN. How is Cinco de Mayo Celebrated in Mexico?
⇒ SUSCRÍBETE A NUESTROS CONTENIDOS EN GOOGLE NEWS
