History of Cinco de Mayo

The Holiday of Cinco de Mayo is often thought to be the day that Mexico declared independence from the French, but that is incorrect because Mexico declared independence 52 years earlier.  On May 5th, 1862 the Mexican Army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. This fight was the result of debts, which Mexico could not afford to pay back. This led to the French attempting to establish an empire in Mexico, which the Mexicans did not want. The attempt to invade by the French was then defeated on May 5th, 1862, which further established Mexican Independence that had been declared on September 16th, 1810.

This event is still widely celebrated today by many people in Latin America because it was a very symbolic victory. It elevated patriotism in Latin America and made the statement to the world that Latin American countries would not be susceptible to foreign invasion by imperialist nations. The Holiday of Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated and has became very commercialized. While the event is a major part of Mexican History, it is more widely celebrated in the United States. Most celebrations include cultural dances, music, and foods!