Cinco de Mayo

The 5th of May

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While commonly mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, it actually marks a single, significant military triumph. This annual celebration has become a symbol of Mexican resilience and cultural pride, especially in parts of the United States.

The celebrated event occurred in 1862 at what is now known as the Battle of Puebla. A  vastly outnumbered Mexican force, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, stood their ground against an elite French army. Despite limited resources and low morale, the underdog Mexican troops dealt a surprising defeat to Napoleon III’s soldiers. The victory sent shockwaves through the region and became a rallying point for unity and national pride.

• The triggering event behind the invasion of European troops occurred in 1861, Mexico declared a temporary moratorium on repaying foreign debts due to severe financial instability following years of war and political upheaval.
• In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is also known as the Battle of Puebla because it commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces in the city of Puebla.
• It is important to note that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16 and marks the beginning of the war for independence from Spain in 1810.

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To plan a Cinco de Mayo road trip, to discover more on its history visit WhereToPick. And, to explore more articles and insights peruse the rest of our content. (Read more)

by Florence Csonka