As a Latin American woman born in Mexico but raised in the United States, I’ve always been curious about the history behind Americans celebrating Cinco de Mayo, “Fifth of May,” and what the day truly means for Mexicans. After many years of asking questions about the celebration, this is what I found out.
Cinco de Mayo has nothing to do with Mexico’s Independence Day.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not our Independence Day. We acquired our independence more than 40 years before the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo began as a day to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, a conflict in 1861 between France and Mexico. At that time, the French were one of the most powerful countries, and the French Army’s goal was to take over our land. If the French had succeeded against the Mexican Armies, it is likely they would have invaded other countries, such as the United States. The stories shared from one generation to the next described that the victory for our country against the French was due to rain on the day of the battle, which caused their firearms not to work (whereas our army men were supported by Zzacapoaxtla people, which were only armed with machetes and other land tools). As a result, Mexico won the battle which led to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
The battle in Mexico was a victory for people in the United States too.
Why is this day celebrated in the United States? Well, for many Mexican immigrants in the U.S., this day is an opportunity to celebrate their heritage. After years of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans celebrating this day in select areas of the country, it has grown to be a widespread celebration around the country, specifically in states with high Mexican populations. Today, it is primarily a day used for people in business or restaurants to show a little bit more of their culture and attract people towards the Mexican heritage. But overall, most Mexicans save their party hats for September 16, our Independence Day!!!
This celebration is more than just a day in Puebla.
Every city and state celebrates this day very differently. In most places in Mexico, it is not celebrated at all, and most people that identify as Mexicans in the United States don’t celebrate it either. However, in the east-central part of Mexico, southeast of Mexico City, the city of Puebla does not let this day pass without a large celebrations and recognition. The city is known to celebrate the week leading up to Cinco de Mayo, along with holding a reenactment of battle the day of. Outside of that, the rest of the month includes large parades, parties, speeches and bullfights.
How can you authentically celebrate Cinco de Mayo in your destination?
One last note, I encourage you to comment correctly on the day. Instead of saying, “Happy Cinco de Mayo,” say, “Feliz Dia de la Batalla de Puebla,” which means, “Happy Day of the Battle of Puebla.”
Carla is dedicated to all DEI projects internally and externally. When she is not working with people to develop great projects, she is traveling to see friends or working out. She is a proud Mexican that loves to share her culture. During her free time she loves to go out to dance, rollerskate or read.
