Though many people in the U.S. regard this date as a celebration of Mexico’s independence, in truth, Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla and the Mexican army’s defeat of the French army attempting to conquer its weakened government. The victory was short-lived, as the French took over the country a year later and remained in power for the next three years.
While Cinco de Mayo has limited significance nationwide in Mexico, the date is observed in the US and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. As noted before,Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That actually occurs on September 15 and is the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico.
Every year we prefer to celebrate Mexico’s history on our terms, whether that history is accurate or only convenient. But then again, isn’t the United States’ relationship with Mexico all about convenience?Happy Cinco de Mayo
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