What is the History of Cinco De Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo does not celebrate Mexican Independence.
From 1857-1860 during the Mexican Civil War, Mexico fell into a lot of debt and instability. They were forced to postpone foreign debt payments.
This provoked the French under the Treaty of London to invade Mexico with the British and Spanish armies. After the Americans got involved on the side of the Mexican Army, the British and Spanish armies withdrew, and the French received reinforcements.
However, they did not get enough reinforcements and General Zaragoza was able to defeat the French and force them to retreat on May 5, 1962 at the Battle of Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla and is not Mexico’s independence day like it widely thought. The Battle of Puebla took place when France was trying to invade Mexico and Napoleon’s 6500 men came against 4000 Mexican men in a bloody battle. Mexico won and that is why we celebrate Cinco de Mayo today.
