By Chatito Paz
On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French forces in the Battle of Puebla. This triumph, although it did not stop the French invasion of Mexico, became an important symbolic moment in the history of Mexico. The context of the battle dates back to the Reform War in Mexico, a conflict between liberals and conservatives that lasted from 1857 to 1861. In the midst of this civil war, President Benito Juárez declared the suspension of payment of the foreign debt of the country for two years. This provoked the military intervention of Spain, France, and Great Britain in Mexico.
The Spanish and British troops withdrew soon after reaching an agreement with the Mexican government, except for the French forces, which decided to stay. They saw an opportunity to take over Mexico and establish a monarchy here. On May 5, 1862, a French army of 6,000 men attacked the city of Puebla, defended by some 2,000 Mexican soldiers. Despite being at a clear disadvantage in numbers and resources, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully resisted the French assault. The Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla became an important symbol of the country’s resistance to foreign invasion.
However, the Mexican-French war continued for several more years. Eventually the French took Mexico City and established the Second Mexican Empire in 1864, with Maximilian as emperor. Three years later, with Mexican resistance and international opposition to the Second Mexican Empire, the French government withdrew its troops in 1867. When that happened, Maximilian was left without an army and was captured and executed.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated mainly in the Latino and Mexican-American communities. Although it is not an official national holiday, it has become a very popular celebration. The Battle of Puebla was seen as a victory for the Mexicans over a powerful foreign army, and it became a symbol of the fight for freedom and independence.
The Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States has evolved to include a variety of traditions, such as parades, music, food, and drink. It is often seen as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage, and to honor the struggle of Mexican immigrants in the United States. Some of the cities where the biggest and best Cinco de Mayo celebrations take place in the United States are:
– Los Angeles, California: The city of Los Angeles has one of the largest Mexican populations in the United States. One of the biggest parades in the country is held there on Avenida César Chávez.
– San Antonio, Texas: The city of San Antonio celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a parade downtown and a festival in the historic Market Square neighborhood.
– Phoenix, Arizona: Phoenix calls this celebration the «Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival.» It includes music, dance, food, and Mexican crafts.
– Denver, Colorado: The city of Denver celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a parade downtown and a festival in Civic Center Park.
– Chicago, Illinois: The city of Chicago celebrates May 5 with a parade in the Pilsen neighborhood and a festival in Harrison Park.
In these cities, the May 5th celebrations are an opportunity for the Mexican community to share their culture and traditions with the community at large. Parades, folkloric dances, live music concerts, art shows, and Mexican food exhibitions are organized.
