Cinco de Mayo

(From Kids InfoBits, a Gale online resource)

Cinco de Mayo means the fifth of May. On this day, Mexicans remember their victory over the French on May 5, 1862. This national holiday is celebrated in some regions of Mexico, especially in Puebla where the battle occurred. Cinco de Mayo is also celebrated in several southwestern states in the United States. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California all have Mexican Americans who like to honor their heritage. The world’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival is Fiesta Broadway held in Los Angeles, California.

Holiday History

On September 16, 1821, Mexico gained its independence from Spain. Two additional wars left Mexico poor, so the Mexican government borrowed money from other countries. In 1862, England, Spain, and France came to collect their debts. Then the Spanish and English left, but the French army began marching toward Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. The French wanted Prince Maximilian and his wife, Carlota, to rule the country. The Mexicans wanted their new president, Benito Juarez, to stay in power.

Before the French could get to Mexico City, though, the Mexicans attacked them. This battle occurred in the city of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although the French had almost twice as many soldiers, the Mexicans fought bravely.

General Ignacio Zaragosa led the Mexicans in their fight against the French soldiers. Many of the Mexicans had no weapons, so they used large knives called machetes or farm tools. The Mexicans also used herds of cattle to block the French. The fight lasted four hours, and at the end the Mexicans had won.

Holiday Celebrations

Now every year on May 5, Mexicans honor these brave fighters. Many people begin the day by going to church. Schools often have special programs. Parades, floats, costumes, dancing, singing, and eating are all a part of the fiesta. A fiesta is a party or festival. Many people wear green, white, and red clothing. These are the colors of the Mexican flag.

Some people dress in costumes from the 1860s. Women wear long, full skirts with ruffles and shawls with fringe. They tuck bright flowers in their hair and carry fans. Men wear suits like old-fashioned horsemen called charros. These suits have short jackets and tight pants with fancy designs sewn on them. The men also wear black boots and hats with large brims called sombreros. The hats are made from straw or felt. They may have beads or tiny wooden balls dangling from the brims.

Mariachi music is popular. This music has been around for hundreds of years. Before the Spanish arrived in Mexico, the Indians used flutes, rattles, drums, and shells as horns. Then the Spanish brought guitars, harps, violins, and brass horns. Mariachi music combined the Indian and Spanish music and their instruments. Now most mariachi bands usually have three to 12 musicians with violins, trumpets, guitars, and bass. The music has a strong, distinctive beat which is good for dancing. Mariachi music and dancing are an important part of the Cinco de Mayo celebration.