CINCO DE MAYO

The origin of Cinco de Mayo, 5th of May celebrates the the victory of the Mexicans over the French army in the battle of Puebla, 1862. It is celebrated in the entire city Pueblos and some U.S. states such as Texas and Southern California, which have a Mexican population.

The battle of Puebla happened in Mexico at a very destructive time. Mexico had finally gained its freedom from Spain in 1810. A number of wars such as the Mexican-American war and the Mexican Civil War in 1858 had taken a lot of the country's money.

During this time Mexico had to pay back its money debts to countries like Spain, England and France. When Mexico stopped paying them, France who wanted to add to its empire, decided to make Napoleon's brother the ruler of Mexico. France started attacking Mexico from the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. president Abraham Lincoln was very understanding about the attack but was busy with his own Civil War.

The celebration of "Cinco de Mayo" is celebrated because when the French were on their way to Mexico City they met up at Forts Loreto and Guadalupe where the Mexican army gave them a good fight. The French army of 2,500 people outnumbered the Mexicans but the Mexican army won anyway. This is why "Cinco de Mayo" is celebrated as a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism.

"Cinco de Mayo" is a regional holiday to Mexico, celebrated mostly in the state of Puebla. If it is recognized in all of Mexico it is even more of a huge bash. It is very popular with tourists who come for a party! Also in the areas of the United States that have a lot of Mexican people like in Texas and California it is celebrated with food, music, and customs of Mexican heritage.

Because it can be such a huge party people who aren't Mexican celebrate it too because it is just plain old fun. When we lived in Southern California my family used to celebrate it every year with lot's of traditional foods and a piñata for all the kids.

Dear Friends,

Please come to my "Cinco de Mayo" party. In case you don't know "Cinco de Mayo" means 5th of May in Spanish.

The reason why Mexicans and Mexican Americans celebrate "Cinco de Mayo" is because it celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French army on May 5,1862. My family, being of Mexican decent, has always celebrated with my Grandfather making his famous homemade Menudo and tamales. Bring your appetite because there will be lot's of food!

Come as you are and please bring corn chips and salsa, a Mexican appetizer. Thanks and see you soon.

Jordan

• Internet resources (see below)
• "Cinco de Mayo" Children's Encyclopedia (1994)
• My mother & my grandmother