Mexicans in Mexico don’t celebrate “Cinco de Mayo”

If Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16, what is Cinco de Mayo?

In the early 1860s, Mexico was in large debt with European countries, one of them being France. France’s Emperor Napoleon III decided to invade Mexico and force repayment. The French outnumbered the Mexicans in a 2-1 ratio. Although the invasion violated the Unites States’ Monroe Doctrine, they couldn’t help. The Unites States was too busy taking care of its own Civil War.

As France succeeded and moved toward Mexico City, Mexico’s capital, on May 5th, 1862, they found defeat. At the city of Puebla, the unexpected happened. It was nearly impossible for Mexicans to win, but they won a battle in Puebla. Even though the French did reach Mexico City and took over the country, as expected, Mexicans see this battle as a massive victory.

When the Civil War was over in the U.S.A., the French were mandated to leave Mexico and obligated to return home.

Today, Mexico’s Independence Day is the only day celebrated in Mexico. Mexican-Americans and Americans are the ones that have turned Cinco de Mayo into a “Mexican holiday”. In Mexico only City of Puebla celebrated Cinco de Mayo.

Why is it so big of a deal in America?

 

Before the U.S reached its current size, much of its land was Mexican, where Cinco de Mayo was celebrated more than 100 years ago. And so, the tradition was carried along thru the years and the country. Today we celebrate Cinco de Mayo and embrace Mexican Heritage, all around the world.