Cinco de Mayo

Why is the Cinco de Mayo festival interesting

Have you heard of Cinco de Mayo? This is the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla — an event that is celebrated on May 5 as a symbol of the victory of the Mexican army over the French Empire. Various events are organized on this day so that everyone can get an unforgettable experience.

• Grab your amigo and head to the historic quarter Old Town to spice up the weekend at the free annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta! The festival turns the historical part of the Old Town into the biggest holiday on the west coast, which will undoubtedly be a pleasant event.
• On the first weekend of May, the festival gathers more than 100,000 people thanks to noisy fairs, continuous music and live performances, battles of luchadors and a huge car show. Get ready to shake maracas! Cinco de Mayo will include live performances by more than 40 Latin groups and a folklorist contest.

• Take a stroll along the famous Lowrider Lane and be amazed by the unique painting and modification of cars that the celebrants loved. Do not forget to bring your masks with you and take part in the noisiest entertainment of the fiesta, which is too exciting to miss. You can cheer on your favorite athletes all night long by planning to watch wrestling matches.
• Tired of the heat? Check out Lucha Cantina for a cold beer, margaritas and traditional cocktails. Want to challenge yourself? Check out the specialties to taste in the best Mexican cafes, treat yourself to local tapas! You may find that some people drink too much, which is a negative side of these holidays.
• Enrich your curiosity and love of history by exploring museums, specialty shops, and busy streets where you can buy many items: handmade pieces of leather, beautiful jewelry, and many other treasures.

History of the festival

In Mexico, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo can be found in various cities, especially in Puebla, where there was a battle. Parades are held during which they honor the victory of soldiers. What really happened on this day?

In 1861, when the Mexicans delayed the payment of their debts to the British and Spaniards, the latter got tired of it and they invaded the country. A year later, in 1862, the English and Spanish government left Mexico. But the French did not leave because of support from wealthy people and landowners. They tried to establish dominance over Mexico, but with General Ignacio Zaragoza and a poorly equipped detachment of Mexican soldiers began the war in Puebla.

The battle took place on May 5, during its course a thousand soldiers of the French troops died. The fight lasted five years and ended with the victory of Mexico. The name of the city changed to Puebla de Zaragoza. Now there you can visit the battle site, turned into a museum.

In many cities, including San Diego, on May 5 you can see the Cinco de Mayo celebration with parades and victorious speeches. This helps to strengthen the morale of Mexicans in relation to their soldiers and country. U.S. immigrants mark this day as their Mexican heritage.

Holiday today

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

• Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified it with the victory of the native Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla. On this occasion, parades, parties, mariachi music is played, cooks prepare traditional dishes such as tacos.
• Some of the largest festivals are also held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.
• Many people outside Mexico mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of independence, which in fact was established more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla.
• Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, on the anniversary of the revolutionary Miguel Hidalgo and Costilla proclaiming the famous “Crito de Dolores” (Crying Dolores) — a call to arms, which is tantamount to declaring war against the Spanish colonial government.