How Cinco de Mayo is Celebrated in Mexico

Cinco de Mayo (May 5th in English) celebrations look a little different in Mexico than they do in the U.S. While we are tossing down tequila shots and clicking margarita glasses, things are a little more mellow on most streets in Mexico

Cinco de Mayo is Not Mexican Independence Day

Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico's Independence Day (which happens in September and goes back to 1810 when Mexico gained its independence from Spain). It does, however, carry some significance in the central Mexican state of Puebla because there was an important battle that took place there on this day in 1862.

Cinco de Mayo Battle of Puebla

On the 5th of May in 1862 the Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) was fought between the Mexican Army and an invading French military force. During the years leading up to the siege of Puebla, Mexico was at one of its weakest points. Not much more than a decade earlier, in the late 1840s, Mexico had been at war with their neighbors to the north (the United States of America). Mexico had also fought a civil war in 1858, and there were more reform wars in 1860.

In 1861 Mexico's treasury was pretty tapped out. War is very expensive and wasteful, particularly civil war. Then, Mexican President Benito Juárez, one of the most celebrated Mexican Presidents, made the decision to suspend all foreign debt payments for a couple of years. And when he did so, European nations came to the port in Veracruz to try and retrieve their money. The Spanish and British fleets reached a negotiation and left Mexico in peace. However, Napoleon III was the ruler of France at the time and thought they would take the opportunity to expand their empire to Mexico, to have more influence in the region.

Statue of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, who defeated the French army on May 5, 1862, at the Cinco de Mayo Monument in Puebla, Mexico.

The French military force of 8,000 troops arrived in Veracruz and pushed the Mexican government out of the coastal city. They then marched to Puebla, the main city between the port of Veracruz and the high-altitude capitol of Mexico's federal district (or Mexico City).

Despite their numbers, the French repeatedly failed to take the city. Napoleonic France was the mightiest military power of the time. The Mexican troops in Puebla were only 4,500, not well trained or experienced, and not as well funded as the French were. Yet the French retreated and this is what really makes the 5th a day to remember.

The Battle of Puebla took place during the first years of the American Civil War. And, had the French managed to establish a base in Mexico, it could have fatally affected the outcome of our own civil conflict. Some might even say that the U.S. may have the veterans of Puebla to thank for keeping the invading French at bay during our civil war.

After the victory, Mexican immigrants brought the news north to the U.S. Thus, the holiday is mostly celebrated in the U.S., originally by Mexican Americans honoring their heritage and culture, and more so since the 1980s by the mainstream to sell tequila, margaritas, and other delights.

I went to Puebla last October and saw some of the statues commemorating the Battle of Puebla. I can only imagine what sort of celebrations go on there in May. I recommend seeing an authentic Cinco de Mayo Celebration if you can be in Puebla on the 5th of May.

The Monroe Doctrine

Also of significance, was the U.S.'s declaration that the French invasion was a violation of the Monroe doctrine, which heretofore was more a theory than the law of the land. It states that any European invasion of the Americas will be viewed as a hostile act. After the U.S. encouraged France to leave Mexico, and after they removed all forces, the Monroe doctrine was declared "an irreversible fact." The end of the French invasion marks the last time a European force invaded the Americas.

Celebrations Outside of Puebla

Although large celebrations happen in the town of Puebla, most regions of Mexico do not commemorate the Battle of Puebla. Schools are closed, but most other businesses are open. In some places you'll find small parades with marching bands headed down main boulevards in the central district. Still, you gotta give it to the Mexican people who fought that fight! ¡Viva Mexico!

For more information, read these Cinco de Mayo fun facts!