Cinco de Mayo

Because today is Cinco de Mayo, I now that I live on the border of Mexico, I thought I would write a few things to clear up what the day is. Many around the country will drink Mexican beer and Tequila and make fools of themselves as a way of celebrating this holiday but they have no idea why they are celebrating. The inspiration for Cinco de Mayo comes from a battle fought on May 5, 1862 where the Mexicans beat the French army. It has nothing to do with Mexico’s Independence day as most believe, which is in September. A little background, in 1821 Mexico won its war of independence from Spain. Over the next several years Mexico was run by the first and second estate, meaning the elite white Mexicans (European decendents who never mixed with Indians) and the Catholic Church. By the 1850s there was a large liberal movement in Mexico which led to the 1857 reforms. The most important reform was the fall from political power of the Church, whose land was taken and redistributed. The Catholic church was not too happy about this new Mexico and so with the support of the French army led by an Austrian named Maximilian they invaded Mexico. The date here is important, if you know your American history, it is during the Civil War when America was too busy to care about Mexico being invaded by a European power and breaking the Monroe Doctrine. So on May 5, 1862 the French force arrived at Puebla only to be beaten by the Mexicans. This is the case of winning the battle and losing the war, because by the next year the French had captured Mexico and set up Maximilian as the Emperior of Mexico.

So why is this battle so important? Mexico was a divided nation. There was a strict class society in Mexico with the white elite, the regular Mexicans (mixing of Spanish and indians) and the indians. What the Battle of Puebla did was help create nationalism. They were able to defeat a powerful European nation, and brought a sense of pride to a struggling nation. With this new pride, they saw themselves not as different classes but as Mexicans. It is like they won their independence in 1821, but did not become Mexicans until 1862.

The holiday itself is interesting, because it is not celebrated in all of Mexico. It has become more of a popular holiday in America, like St. Patricks day, Mexians can show off their heritage, and it gives white Americans a chance to make tacos and drink alcohol. Drinks aside, it is a fun holiday and a chance to celebrate a different culture. Down here in south Texas it is a big deal, but suprisingly not as big as places with a smaller mexican population. Every day here is Mexican cultre day, where as in places where Mexicans are the minority they do more to hold on to their heritage. So I hope everyone has a happy Cinco de Mayo, and make some good Mexican food, and celebrate. And now you even know why.