Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

For most people May 5th is the July 4th for Mexico. Technically however Mexico became independent from Spain on September 15th in 1810. What Cinco de Mayo really celebrates is the spirit of independence of the people of Mexico.

In 1862 England, France, and Spain sent troops to Mexico to collect on previous debts. President Benito Juarez quickly made deals with the English and Spanish armies who returned home. The French army however remained in Mexico. Historical accounts of the French army indicate there were over 6500 soldiers who were well trained and heavily armed. At the time the United States had just entered the Civil War and was unable to send military aid.

On May 5th under the leadership of General Zaragosa and Colonel Diaz 4000 Mexican militia went into battle against French Army. Despite being outnumbered and under supplied they fought fiercely and defeated the French Army. The French Army retreated over the border into the United States. Once in the United States the weakened French Army was rounded up by the Union Army.

Once in the custody of the Union Army it was learned that the French were planning on using Mexico as base to supply the confederate army with supplies and weapons.

Today Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States are much more popular than many places in Mexico. Border towns in Texas, and California with large populations Latin-American communities have parades, street fairs, and festivals.