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Cinco de Mayo [the fifth of May]
is one of 2 days which commemorate the independence of Mexico.
Although Mexico's official independence day is el Dieciseis de
Septiembre [September 16th], Cinco de Mayo is also considered a
day of great importance.
Having gained its independence from Spain by 1821, Mexico
continued to be a hotbed of unrest. 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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