What Does Cinco de Mayo Mean?

Cinco de Mayo (translates to the 5th of May), is a celebratory holiday of Mexican origin. On this day, people come together to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. Although Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which fall on September 16, 2020, the holiday actually commemorates a battle victory over French forces during the Franco-Mexican War. This battle took place on the 5th of May, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.

The Battle of Puebla

In 1861, the Mexican Government defaulted on repayments of French loans. Taking advantage of the situation, Napoleon III sent French forces to collect. French troops began their march toward Mexico City and ultimately reached the city of Puebla. Facing a superior force backed by the French Army, the Mexican Army lead by General Ignacio Zaragoza fought back the powerful French forces and succeeded in winning the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.

Significance and Celebrations

The victory of the Battle of Puebla was a significant moment in Mexican history, as it showed that the country’s forces could resist rule by a foreign power. General Ignacio Zaragoza’s leadership and the bravery of the Mexican people weakened the French army’s presence in Mexico and soon the French forces returned to France. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with patriotic fervor in the city of Puebla, and in other parts of Mexico. Across the U.S and in other places across the world, it has been embraced as a day of celebration for Mexican culture and heritage. On this day people host parades, parties, music, special feasts and festivals to honor Mexican citizens and their culture.

To this day, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo serves as a powerful reminder of how Mexican forces and citizens fought back against a foreign oppressor and triumphed against the odds. It is a day to recognize and pay tribute, to the bravery and courage of a nation that is today a proud, independent country.