Today, Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for the 5th of May, marks the victory in 1862 of the Mexican army, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, over French troops at the Battle of Puebla. The decades following the United States\' war with Mexico (1846-48) found Mexico in a state of economic crisis. Mexican President Benito Juarez announced that the nation would suspend debt repayments to the English, Spanish and French. The English and Spanish backed off, but the French began an occupation of Mexico
The Battle of Puebla, though it ended in defeat for the French, did not mean triumph for the Mexicans. The French eventually captured Puebla, marched on to Mexico City and ruled until 1867.
But the Cinco de Mayo battle was important for several reasons. The victory demonstrated to ordinary Mexican citizens that they could repel superior fighting power. It instilled national pride, improved the international stature of President Juarez and discouraged further American and European invasions of Mexico and Latin America.
For Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of cultural pride and a show of respect for the rights of people everywhere to enjoy in the fruits of self-determination.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
-On May 5th, 1862, 4000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8000 soldiers at Puebla, Mexico.
Who celebrates it?
-Mexicans and Mexican Americans.
