Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Many mistakenly associate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican independence, but the May 5th celebration honors a different kind of freedom. Mexico’s true independence day falls on September 16th, marking its liberation from Spain in 1810.
Cinco de Mayo, however, commemorates the underdog victory of the Mexican army against French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This triumph occurred amidst a period of immense hardship for Mexico. The nation, financially crippled by the 1846 Mexican-American War and a subsequent civil war, had borrowed heavily from European countries. In 1862, England, Spain, and France all arrived to collect their debts, demanding land concessions as collateral. While England and Spain ultimately accepted promissory notes and departed, France, under Napoleon III, harbored dreams of establishing a Mexican colony.
French troops marched inland from the coast, aiming to seize Mexico City. However, their path was blocked by the well-defended city of Puebla. On May 5th, a fierce battle erupted – La Batalla de Puebla. Though significantly outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican soldiers under General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin displayed remarkable courage, ultimately repelling the French advance.
While the victory at Puebla only postponed the inevitable French occupation of Mexico City, it became a potent symbol of Mexican resilience against imperialist forces. Cinco de Mayo celebrates this unwavering spirit and the fight to safeguard national sovereignty.
The significance of Cinco de Mayo extends beyond Mexico’s borders. A French victory at Puebla could have significantly altered the course of North American history. The potential annexation of Mexican territory by France might have reshaped the US-Mexico border and impacted the lives of both nations profoundly.
Though not widely celebrated in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has blossomed into a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, mirroring holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Oktoberfest. Vibrant festivities erupt across American cities throughout the first week of May, showcasing the rich tapestry of Mexican food, music, and traditions. This adopted holiday transcends ethnic boundaries, attracting people from all backgrounds to celebrate the enduring spirit of Mexico.