Why do we celebrate the 5th of May? It is a pro-Mexican holiday, and many think it has something to do with their version of July 4th. Nope. Mexican Independence Day is September 16th. So why Cinco de Mayo? In 1861, President Benito Juarez imposed a moratorium on loan-interest payments. Mexico had a long history of not repaying loans, which had triggered foreign interventions previously. In the wake of the moratorium, England, Spain, and France occupied Veracruz. Mexico managed to satisfied both Spain and England, but France launched an invasion and imposed Emperor Maximilian as ruler. This French adventure in Mexico lasted from 1861 to 1867. No, it did not end on May 5, 1867, but that was a good guess.
On May 5th, 1862, French forces attacked the city of Puebla. Despite the French having a superior force in both arms and training, the Mexican forces held the town and inflicted serious losses on the French. This victory was great for Mexican morale. However, the French returned and captured Puebla the following year. By June 1863, they captured Mexico City. Cinco de Mayo celebrates an early victory in a conflict that would drag on for another 5 years.
Oddly enough, Cinco de Mayo is more popular in the United States than in Mexico. It is a cultural celebration in much the same way as St. Patrick's Day for Irish heritage.
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