Ever wonder what Cinco de Mayo is REALLY celebrating? Contrary to what many may believe, it isn't just an excuse to party and get drunk off your (jack)ass. And it isn't Mexico's Independence Day, either (that's on September 16th). What the holiday DOES happen to be is a celebration of the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin.
The victory was a significant morale boost to the Mexican army and the Mexican people at large. It also represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and bolstered the resistance movement. But above all, it helped establish a much-needed sense of national unity and patriotism.
Other reasons the Battle of Puebla was important include the fact that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years. And, since the Battle of Puebla, no country in the Americas has subsequently been invaded by any other European military force. Now, THAT'S certainly something worth celebrating!
So now that you know the REAL reason behind all of the colorful, drunken frivolity, have a Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone!!
Cool! I freely admit I was hazy about the historical facts behind the holiday. And I like that picture! :)
ReplyDeleteFeliz 5 de Mayo!
ReplyDeleteThank yoou for this
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