At the time, the country was in financial ruin after years of internal strife, and the new president was forced to default on debt payments to European governments. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their forces. France, however, ruled by Napoleon III , decided to use the opportunity to carve an empire out of Mexican territory. Certain that success would come swiftly, 6, French troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez set out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east-central Mexico.
The vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans, led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza, fortified the town and prepared for the French assault. On May 5, , Lorencez gathered his army—supported by heavy artillery—before the city of Puebla and led an assault. The battle lasted from daybreak to early evening, and when the French finally retreated they had lost nearly soldiers. Fewer than Mexicans had been killed in the clash. In —thanks in part to military support and political pressure from the United States, which was finally in a position to aid its besieged neighbor after the end of the Civil War —France finally withdrew.
Puebla de Los Angeles was renamed for General Zaragoza, who died of typhoid fever months after his historic triumph there. Traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla and other festive events.
For many Mexicans, however, May 5 is a day like any other: It is not a federal holiday, so offices, banks and stores remain open. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations.
Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles , Chicago and Houston. The traditional dish eaten in the town of Puebla on their big holiday is mole poblano, according to the Smithsonian. Invented in the late 17th century, mole is a thick sauce made with chocolate, chiles, nuts and other spices.
Traditionally, the sauce covers succulent chicken or turkey. Skip to content. Cinco de Mayo. Our redesigned local news and weather app is live!
Download it for iOS or Android — and sign up for alerts. An economically struggling Mexico was intervened by the French for the second time, who had the hopes to gain control of the Latin American country under the rule of Napoleon III.
Even if their forces had half the numbers of their opponents, the Mexican Army, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to successfully win over the French army at Puebla, a city just 70 miles from Mexico City. Formal celebrations happen for the first time in Sonora and spread to other California cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Data gathered by a top Public Relations Agency :. In Mexico, the majority of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations occur in Puebla, where the battle had taken place. People dress up either as French and Mexican soldiers or in colorful outfits to participate in large parades. Patriotic clothing is sold by vendors for people to wear and stalls selling Mexican food are also found everywhere. Although tacos and margaritas are consumed the most on this holiday, as well as mole poblano, which is the official dish of Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo is also observed in the United States. Costume parties are hosted for friends and family, with the colors of the Mexican flag red, white, and green used in decorations. Mexican folk music is played and danced to. The celebrations are also taken to the streets with large parades and special promotions on Mexican food. The holiday is not formally observed countrywide, but there is still recognition in some parts.
It is a full holiday in the states of Puebla and Veracruz, where battle reenactments and poblano culture displays are held. Both work! Corn and flour tortillas have different uses: flour tortillas tend to be more flexible, perfect to make burritos and quesadillas, while corn tortillas are gluten-free and filled with nutrients. Plenty of chain stores give special Cinco de Mayo offers, regardless if they are Mexican-themed or not. From Del Taco to Taco Bell to your local small family-owned Mexican place, search around and you will find an amazing deal.
Discover the beginnings of Cinco de Mayo and expand your appreciation of our southern neighbors. Take the time to learn more about how their history has helped shape our own and the ways in which they have contributed to U. You can take a class or simply give it a go in your own home. Not only is it fun, but the exercise will help you feel less guilty when you chow down on traditional food later!
The bigger the group, the bigger the fun, so invite your friends and have a little dance party! One of the best ways to get to know a culture is through food.
So why not try creating a traditional Mexican meal at home, either alone or with friends? Skip the standards — you can have those anytime.
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