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The holiday of Cinco De Mayo,
The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over
the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. The battle at
Puebla in 1862 happened at a violent and chaotic time in
Mexico's history. Mexico had finally gained independence from
Spain in 1821, and a number of internal political takeovers
and wars, including the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and
the Mexican Civil War of 1858, had mostly wiped out the
national economy. Rich in natural resources and gold, this
land was coveted by the U.S. in its push to span the North
American continent, as well as by European powers who viewed
Mexico as a political foothold in the western hemisphere. Its
territorial disputes with the U.S. having been settled by
1849, Mexico's attention was then focused on Europe.
In the spring of 1862, after receiving word that French forces
were marching on Mexico City, President Benito Juarez (a
native Zapotec Indian) sent troops to head them off. It was on
May 5th, in the little town of Puebla, that a small, ragged,
untrained, and under-equipped army led by General Ignacio
Zaragoza met and defeated the invading French, a well-armed,
professional army led by Napoleon III. Though the battle was
only a temporary setback for Napoleon, it proved to be the
catalyst which provided the Mexicans with confidence enough to
persevere and ultimately triumph over the French in 1867. The
French defeat must have surprised Napoleon III, the ruler of
France, who was attempting to annex Mexico by taking advantage
of the destruction and bankruptcy that existed there. Mexico's
condition at that time was the result of the War of Reform
(1858-1860), an internal political, economic, and religious
struggle. At the end of this civil war, Mexico owed more than
$80,000,000 to foreigners. France invaded Mexico, using debt
collection as an excuse. Napoleon III's true motivation,
however, was total control of Mexico and its potential wealth.
In addition to its importance in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is
significant to all Americans because it marks the last time
that any foreign power has acted the aggressor on North
American soil. Parades usually start moving about 11 o'clock,
when the first band strikes up a lively marching tune.
Marchers dressed as French and Mexican generals lead the way
with soldiers following, armed like the original freedom
fighters with machetes and old-fashioned rifles. Paraders
wearing skirts and flowery hats represent the women (soldaderos)
who traveled with the army to cook and care for the men. Those
portraying French soldiers carry knapsacks with wine bottles
sticking out of them. At mid-afternoon the "battle"
begins in the plaza. Rifles and cannon roar, there is much
smoke and shouting, and at nightfall, the Mexican and French
generals meet face-to-face for a sword battle. The Mexican
general, of course, wins. The fiesta also includes speeches by
government officials, lively dances and games, mariachi music,
traditional foods, bullfights, and colorful decorations. At
night there are pinatas for the children and the celebration
ends with beautiful displays of fireworks.
Though Cinco de Mayo is a day of huge military and political
significance, we must remember that it is not the battle of
Puebla itself that we celebrate. Rather, it is a day to
celebrate pride, independence, and freedom. Viva la Fiesta!
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