As many of you know, today is May 5th, more commonly known as Cinco De Mayo. Although many know that today is a holiday there are still a vast amount of individuals that have absolutely no idea what today truly means to those that observe it.
So, we here at Hooray Cafe thought we would share 10 informative, as well as interesting, facts about Cinco de Mayo, in hopes of uniting everybody in mutual understanding of what today represents. Enjoy!
May 5, 2017
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1. Not a celebration of independence
Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexico’s Independence (which is actually September 16th), but rather a celebration of Mexico’s victory in the battle at Puebla on May 5th, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican war. It was an unlikely win for the Mexican militia who were heavily outnumbered by the French. The victory became a source of pride for the country and is the reason we continue to celebrate today.
2. Mexico won the battle, but not the war
Although the Mexican Army won the battle at Puebla on May 5th, 1862 the French went on to win the war, occupying the region for five years.
3. Napolean III had multiple motives on May 5th
For the leader of France, Napolean III, the battle at Puebla was an attempt at not only spreading his empire but at conquering a key Mexican access point to the U.S., where he intended to lend support to the confederate army during the Civil War in an effort to keep the U.S. divided and consequently less powerful.
4. Abraham Lincoln sympathized with the Mexican cause but…
Abraham Lincoln sympathized with the Mexican cause during the French occupation but was unable to lend direct support to the nation due to the U.S. Civil War, which was taking place at the same time. When the Civil War finally ended, the U.S. forced France to withdraw its troops from Mexico and their empire collapsed.
5. Not a federal holiday in Mexico
Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico and is a relatively minor holiday outside of Puebla, Veracruz and the United States. In Puebla and Veracruz, however, Cinco de Mayo is a very important state holiday celebrated with parades, festivals and reenactments.
6. Roosevelt helped popularize Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.
Cinco de Mayo became a popular holiday in the U.S. after President Franklin Roosevelt enacted the “Good Neighbor Policy” in 1933 to improve relations with Latin American countries.
7. Lots of avocados
According to the California Avocado Commission, Americans consume up to 81 million pounds of avocados on Cinco de Mayo every year. Holy guacamole!
8. The world’s largest Cinco de Mayo party is held in…
Los Angeles, California! Other U.S. cities that throw big celebrations for Cinco de Mayo are Denver, New York, Phoenix and Houston. Want to throw your own Cinco de Mayo party? Read our post, How to Plan the Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Party, for tips!
9. Some even celebrate with Chihuahua races
One U.S. city celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a Chihuahua race. Can you guess which city? It’s Chandler, Arizona. Even Vancouver celebrates, marking the day with a “skydiving boogie” that consists of aerial acrobatics and an air show.
10. Americans like their tequila
According to the Daily Meal, the United States consumes twice as much Tequila as Mexico, where the spirit originated.
