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Cinco de Mayo - Spanish for 'fifth of May' - is an annual holiday celebrating the Mexican army’s victory over France forces during the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
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Join MemoriesMemories Team Mexican President Benito Juarez fled to Puebla. Expecting a French attack, he established an army of 2,000 men made up of both indigenous Mexicans and men with mixed ancestry.
Memories Team Lawyer and member of the indigenous Zapotec tribe, Benito Juarez, was elected president of Mexico in 1861. With the country in financial ruin, Juarez announced all foreign debt payments would be suspended for two years. Britain, France, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement from Mexico in response. Britain and Spain withdrew after negotiations, however French President Napoleon III decided to use the opportunity to establish an empire in Mexico. France stormed Veracruz with armed forces in in late 1861, with the Mexican government retreating into northern Mexico.
Memories Team On May 5, 1862, France launched an attack on the region. The so-called "Battle of Puebla" saw 6,000 French troops attack the vastly outnumbered and poorly armed Mexicans who had fortified the town in preparation. Lasting from daybreak until early evening, the battle saw the ragtag Mexican army defeat French forces, who retreated after losing almost 500 soldiers. The Mexicans lost fewer than 100.
Memories Team Although not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, the Battle of Puebla grew in national significance over time. The victory strengthened Mexico's morale and became the rallying cry of resistance to foreign domination.
Lourdes Lopez Una bella ciudad.
Lourdes Lopez Muy bonito Puebla
Memories Team Many mistake Cinco de Mayo for Mexican Independence Day, which is held on September 16. The latter holiday was established in 1810, some 50 years before the Battle of Puebla occurred.
Memories Team While a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage in the US - particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
Memories Team Cinco de Mayo isn't considered a federal holiday, with the event primarily observed in the state of Puebla where the battle took place. However, it is still celebrated in other parts of Mexico.
Memories Team Traditional Mexican foods and drinks are also popular during celebrations.
Memories Team Cinco de Mayo celebrations include parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing. In Puebla, where the unlikely victory occurred, celebrations include military parades and recreations of the battle.
Memories Team This year, celebrations will be different because of self-isolation, with many Mexican organizations heading online. Mexican restaurants are also doing takeaway deals to celebrate the day.