I like many others misunderstood this holiday. Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is a vibrant cultural celebration often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. In reality, it commemorates the unlikely victory of the Mexican army over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
The historical backdrop is key: in the 1860s, Mexico was financially struggling and had defaulted on debts to European powers. France, under Napoleon III, sought to expand its empire by invading Mexico. On May 5, 1862, a poorly equipped Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French forces at Puebla. Although the victory was more symbolic than strategic—France later succeeded in occupying Mexico—it became a powerful symbol of Mexican resistance and unity.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico. In Mexico, it’s mostly observed in the state of Puebla with military parades and reenactments. In the U.S., however, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder of resilience against great odds. It’s not about margaritas or commercialized parties, but about cultural pride, historical reflection, and honoring the spirit of a people who stood their ground. This is what we should be celebrating. In the United States we have so many people who are uneducated and don’t understand how basic functions of our government work. All of this is made worse by our current president who I did NOT vote for!
Since today is Cinco de Mayo, take a moment to look beyond the festivities and reflect on the courage and perseverance behind the date. Whether through music, food, or history, it’s a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity and the enduring values of freedom and resistance.
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