It's a festive, fun holiday, but also a day that gets misunderstood. I know because I was confused on Cinco de Mayo until I lived in San Antonio, Texas, and some local friends sat me down and set me straight. Before that I thought the holiday marked Mexico's independence, not unlike Fourth of July for the USA. (Mexico's true independence day was September 16, 1810.)
Actually, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the initial defeat of Napoleon III of France when he tried to conquer Mexico. Texas-born Genereal Zaragoza led Zapotec Indians and mestizos to deaf the French at the Battle of Batalla de Puebla. This victory was a big moral boost for Mexico, but it was short lived, as a French victory followed. (No worries, a Mexican victory followed that.)
Today Cinco de Mayo is mostly celebrated as a day in the U.S. that recognizes the value of Hispanic/Latino culture, traditions and contributions. Wonderful parades with mariachi music and dancing are held, and delicious Mexican foods like tamales and menudo soup are enjoyed.
Maybe you've heard of the book Rocky Road? Okay, I wrote it. In Rocky Road, Tess and her family pick May 5th as the day to open their ice cream shop and begin a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Thanks to my friends in San Antonio, this wonderful holiday will always be dear to my heart.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Happy May 5th! It was Children's Day in Korea here~ :-)
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