Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Mikayla Autry

Cinco De Mayo, Spanish for the fifth of May, is celebrated to commemorate the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. 

The battle was against the French army, which was named the strongest army at that time. At the time, Mexico was in financial ruin and had recently failed to pay its debts to several European countries, including France. This victory sparked many celebrations and created a turning point due to the gain of Mexico City. 

Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in Mexico and the United States, where it has become a popular cultural holiday. In Mexico, the holiday is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place, while in the US, it is often celebrated with parades, parties, and traditional Mexican food and drink.

In many cities, parades are held to celebrate the holiday. These parades often feature traditional Mexican costumes, music, and dance. Many restaurants and bars in the United States also offer special menus or drink specials on Cinco de Mayo, featuring popular Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole, as well as Mexican beers, margaritas, and other cocktails.

It is important to recognize the history of this holiday as we celebrate it today.