Happy CINCO de MAYO!
Did you know that Cinco de Mayo, or the 5th of May, is not the celebration of Mexican independence? It actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a small town in east-central Mexico, during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862 in which the outnumbered and under supplied Mexican army beat the forces of the French who wanted to own Mexico!
General Ignacio Zaragoza who led the Mexicans in this battle was born in a Mexican village which is now a city in the U. S. state of Texas. “It is said that in 1867, just five years after the victory, a group of Mexicans residing in Texas began to celebrate the date with songs and poetry, thus becoming a tradition of celebration and colors across the state. Later, this tradition would spread throughout the United States among Mexican communities.” (#BetterTogether).
Here’s a fascinating video about the History of Cinco de Mayo!
Want to know more about Mexican culture and heritage. Check out this video!
Visit the GHC Library for more resources about Cinco de Mayo, Mexican culture, and more!
Sources:
#BetterTogether. “Cinco de Mayo celebrations!” Velas Resorts, 1 May 2020, magazine.velasresorts.com/better-together/cinco-de-mayo-celebrations/.
History.com Editors. “Cinco de Mayo.” History. Updated 1 May 2020, A&E Television Networks, 23 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo.