Every asked someone what day Cinco de Maya is on? If you answered yes, then you probably received
strange looks from others. It is
celebrated every year on May 5th.
Most of you reading could care less about the history; instead you are eagerly
awaiting 5:00, so you can leave work and enjoy the celebration. I agree completely with you on this. To name a few anticipated desires: Chips,
salsa, tacos and margaritas. What is not
to love about that delightful, tasty combo?
In fact, can we should just make Cinco de Maya and weekly event? For others that enjoy divulging in knowledge
will love a little history lesson on this holiday, so here we go…….
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862
victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War
(1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco
de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage,
particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
The battle at Puebla in 1862 happened at a violent and
chaotic time in Mexico's history. Mexico had finally gained independence from
Spain in 1821 after a difficult and bloody struggle, and a number of internal
political takeovers and wars, including the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
and the Mexican Civil War of 1858, had ruined the national economy.
During this
period of struggle Mexico had accumulated heavy debts to several nations,
including Spain, England and France, who were demanding repayment. Similar debt
to the U.S. was previously settled after the Mexican-American War. France was
eager to expand its empire at that time, and used the debt issue to move
forward with goals of establishing its own leadership in Mexico. Realizing
France's intent of empire expansion, Spain and England withdrew their support.
When Mexico finally stopped making any loan payments, France took action on its
own to install Napoleon III's relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as
ruler of Mexico.
France invaded at the gulf coast of Mexico along the state
of Veracruz (see map) and began to march toward Mexico City, a distance today
of less than 600 miles. Although American President Abraham Lincoln was
sympathetic to Mexico's cause, and for which he is honored in Mexico, the U.S.
was involved in its own Civil War at the time and was unable to provide any
direct assistance.
Marching on toward Mexico City, the French army
encountered strong resistance near Puebla at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. Lead by Mexican General
Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, a smaller, poorly armed militia estimated at 4,500 men
were able to stop and defeat a well outfitted French army of 6,500 soldiers,
which stopped the invasion of the country. The victory was a glorious moment
for Mexican patriots, which at the time
helped to develop a needed sense of national unity, and is the cause for the
historical date's celebration.
Unfortunately, the victory was short lived. Upon hearing the bad news, Napoleon III had found an excuse to send more troops overseas to try and invade Mexico again, even against the wishes of the French populace. 30,000 more troops and a full year later, the French were eventually able to depose the Mexican army, take over Mexico City and install Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico.
Maximilian's rule of Mexico was also short lived, from 1864 to 1867. With the American Civil War now over, the U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico to expel the French, after which Maximilian was executed by the Mexicans - his bullet riddled shirt is kept at the museum at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. So despite the eventual French invasion of Mexico City, Cinco de Mayo honors the bravery and victory of General Zaragoza's smaller, outnumbered militia at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexonline.com
Unfortunately, the victory was short lived. Upon hearing the bad news, Napoleon III had found an excuse to send more troops overseas to try and invade Mexico again, even against the wishes of the French populace. 30,000 more troops and a full year later, the French were eventually able to depose the Mexican army, take over Mexico City and install Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico.
Maximilian's rule of Mexico was also short lived, from 1864 to 1867. With the American Civil War now over, the U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico to expel the French, after which Maximilian was executed by the Mexicans - his bullet riddled shirt is kept at the museum at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. So despite the eventual French invasion of Mexico City, Cinco de Mayo honors the bravery and victory of General Zaragoza's smaller, outnumbered militia at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexonline.com
Today
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with parades, mariachi, parties, music performances, food, and
more throughout Mexico and United States.
However,
you decide to spend this day remember to enjoy, eat lots of food and drink responsibly!!
Jennifer Hutchinson, Realtor
225-978-1358 cell
