When people hear Cinco de Mayo, they think it is Mexico's independence day, when in reality it is celebrating the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army. Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico and is celebrated mostly in Puebla. There's some limited recognition of the holiday throughout the country with different levels of enthusiasm.
What is the history of Cinco de Mayo? In 1861 the liberal Mexican Benito Juárez became president of Mexico which was financially ruined at that point in time. Mexico had debts to pay to european countries but had no money so Benito defaulted on his debts in other words he declared bankruptcy. Britain, Spain, and France sent their naval forces to demand the money Mexico owed them. When Britain and Spain got to Mexico they negotiated with Benito and withdrew, but France decided to use the opportunity to attempt to take over the Mexican territory. Late in 1861, a well-armed French army stormed Veracruz, the French brought a well built army with…show more content… Well celebration is based on location, Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico. In Mexico it is celebrated mostly in Puebla only because that is where the battle happened. Puebla celebrates with festivals like military parades and recreations of the battle. In the United States everybody celebrates Cinco de Mayo in celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. The United States celebrates with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods, it also gives Americans another excuse to drink.
Why does Cinco de Mayo have limited recognition throughout Mexico? While Americans are out partying for Cinco de Mayo Mexico is actually not celebrating as much as we think. Americans assume that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated like the 4th of July but it's actually not celebrated much it’s more of just an average day for Mexicans. It is celebrated in honor of those who lost their
