Many Americans know Cinco de Mayo for dancing, mariachi music and delicious Mexican fare. But do you know where the holiday comes from? Learning about the history of Cinco de Mayo is a great way to honor Mexican culture.
Here are a few little-known facts about Cinco de Mayo, according to history.com.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day
Cinco de Mayo is sometimes confused with Mexican Independence Day. But it actually marks Mexico’s unexpected victory over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. France’s army was larger and better prepared, but the Mexicans emerged victorious (even though they ultimately lost the war).
Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the U.S.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. It isn’t even a federal holiday.
But in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated. In fact, the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration is in Los Angeles.
President Roosevelt was behind its rise in popularity
The holiday became widely recognized in the U.S. in the 1930s after President Roosevelt created the Good Neighbor Policy to improve relations with Latin America.
It’s linked to social justice
In the 1960s and 1970s, Cinco de Mayo became a symbol of Mexican American civil rights, especially in California. What began as a push for better conditions for farmworkers evolved into a full-fledged social justice movement. The holiday now represents Mexican American pride and ethnic identity.
So, this Cinco de Mayo, enjoy some mole (the official holiday dish) and your newfound knowledge of Mexican heritage!
This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.
Copyright © 2023 Applied Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
