Cinco De Mayo

The fifth of May is a special holiday in the Mexican culture. It's the "Cinco de Mayo" (Fifth of May) which celebrates the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The victory was led by Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin and he was able to lead his army to defeat the French - who had not lost a battle in over fifty years. The French had the desire to occupy Mexico in order to force them to pay the debts to main creditors. They were successful in invading, but the Mexican army was able to fight off the French invaders in the city of Puebla which means "town".

Although Cinco De Mayo is a historical holiday with intention to celebrate the victory of the Mexicans defeating the French, it is now looked at as a more regional holiday that involves music, food, dancing and more. For the United States, this holiday has taken on the role of depicting the Americans of Mexican Ancestry. Many Americans have the common misconception that Cinco De Mayo is the day of independence for the Mexicans. This is not true, Independence Day for Mexicans falls on September 16.

The Mexican country has taken pride in the victory over the French in 1862 and also being able to spread this culturally fueled holiday to places such as Vancouver, The Caribbean, and the United States. It will forever be remembered as not only an enjoyable time to dance and eat with friends and family, but as an historic event that changed the way the world viewed Mexico.