CINCO DE MAYO – The imported holiday

Contrary to what Americans believe to celebrate, Cinco de Mayo is confused with the Independence Day on September 16, which commemorates Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule in 1821. 
However, on “Cinco de Mayo” exactly 158 years ago, the Mexican army won against the numerically superior forces of a French expeditionary army of Napoleon III. 
The 5th of May is a memory of the Battle of Puebla (located about 70 miles southeast of Mexico City) in 1862.

One year before that victory, ships were sent from France, Spain and England to Mexico to collect national debts. Since Mexico was almost bankrupt at that time, the current president Benito Juarez had asked for more time to repay the debt in installments. The request was not granted. The Europeans wanted their money immediately. It took only a few months until they had it together and Spain and England withdrew their ships. 

Unlike the French. Under the command of Napoleon III, 6000 soldiers attacked the village of Puebla de los Angeles on 5 May 1862. Surprisingly, the less well-positioned Mexican troop of 2000 men, led by General Ignazio Zaragoza, won within 2 hours.

Four days later, that day was declared a national holiday, because the victory over the outnumbered French troops was considered proof that the Mexicans were a formidable opponent worthy of international respect. Intensified by the fact, that their leader was an indigenous president, that holiday held a special symbolic significance.

Cinco de Mayo, however, is for Mexicans – especially those living outside of the modern city of Puebla – of minor significance, dwarfed in comparison to much more important national and religious holidays, like Mexican Independence Day and Day of the Dead. Nevertheless, it is still celebrated in some cities in Mexico and America (although you can see more of that tradition in Mexico of course ).

People buy piñatas, utensils for the Mexican flag, sombreros and costumes. It’s all about dancing, eating and drinking beer.The houses are decorated with national colors (green, white, red and black) and you can hear Mexican music everywhere. Since there is no traditional CdM costume, women wear bright, colorful and unique gowns or skirts, while men wear trousers or black pants suits, along with sombreros.

A Mexican party wouldn’t be a Mexican Party if there weren’t guacamole and salsa. Also typically served are Enchiladas Verdes, Tostadas, Chile Verde Tamales, Fish Tacos, Flautas and Chalupas. 
(I literally had to google every single dish to know what it is. Does anyone know how to differentiate those (delicious looking) meals? 🙂 )

If you want to try out some healthy alternatives to those traditional Mexican dishes, check my ideas and recipes below.

The widespread commercialization of Cinco de Mayo took place in the 1980s and 1990s. Beer companies, in particular, addressed Mexican Americans and asked them to celebrate their heritage with Coronas, Bud Lights and Dos Equis.Because of that, some Mexican Americans have expressed ambivalence about celebrating it. Unlike the Americans without Mexican ancestry, for whom the holiday seems to simply serve as an excuse to drink margaritas.

Today, Cinco de Mayo implies a lot of celebrating for Americans, but little meaning for Mexicans.

While more and more Americans – regardless of their ethnic heritage – take part in the celebrations, few know what Cinco de Mayo commemorates. A survey showed that only 10% of Americans can describe the origins of the festival.
Perhaps your next drink will be a toast to General Ignazio Zaragoza the next time you celebrate Cinco de Mayo… now that you know 🙂

For me, as a German girl, who had never heard something about that holiday, it was really interesting to get to know Cinco de Mayo with its history, its tradition and all the change in meaning from then to now. 
Who knows if I actually get to traditionally experience it one day. Because after doing all the research I now know one thing for sure:
Mexicans know how to celebrate!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Tara