Cinco de Mayo: The Real Reason Behind the Season

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner. You know what that means, right? Overdosing on tortilla chips and queso dip, too many tequila shots for a ‘school night,’ and eventually, compromising photos of you and your friends wearing an oversized sombrero while chugging Coronas. Oh, and don’t forget the best part: May 6th’s well-earned (and, dare I say, deserved) killer hangover.

Clearly, folks, that is not what Cinco de Mayo really means. So, what is the historical significance behind the often booze-filled celebration? If right now you’re thinking, ‘But, of course, it’s the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in Mexico in 1862!’ you’re way ahead of the curve. However, if the above description of said Cinco de Mayo festivities rings true with you sans an awareness of exactly what you’re celebrating, no need to be ashamed; we’re about to change that with a brief lesson in 19th Century Mexican history.

Essentially a date that is observed in the U.S. and other countries as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, May 5, 1862 specifically marks the Mexican military’s victory over French troops at the Battle of Puebla (a city located southeast of Mexico City and since renamed Puebla de Zaragoza). For Mexicans, the 5th of May is a symbol of their nation’s determination and commitment to fighting foreign domination. And, suffice it to say: the Battle of Puebla was no easy victory. The outnumbered and ill-equipped army of Mexican soldiers led by General Ignacio Zaragoza managed to defeat the very well equipped French army sent by Emperor Napoleon III by killing 1,000 of its troops.

Why, in case you are wondering, were the French and Mexican armies duking it out David and Goliath-style on this spring day in 1862? France had long-term hopes of setting up permanent shop in Mexico and consequentially, curbing U.S. power in North America. At the time, Mexico owed France, England, and Spain money that it could not pay back. While the English and Spanish withdrew from the country just before the Battle of Puebla in April 1862, the French stayed on in an attempt to establish a monarchy under Maximilian of Austria who did serve as Emperor of Mexico until his execution in 1867.

While the Battle of Puebla did not actually end the war, it remains an important symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign rule. Despite the fact that one year later the French returned to conquer Puebla and the war raged on for five more years. On April 2, 1867 the City of Puebla was retaken by the Mexico army and the French occupation officially ended.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated regionally in Mexico – and abroad – with parades and festivals, and more than likely, con muchas cervezas y tequila. This year, impress your own amigos with your recently acquired knowledge by enlightening them about the significance of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, the real reason for the season – over chilled shots of the Gringo Tequila of the moment, of course.