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Arriba, Arriba! May 5 is a day of great celebration and remembrance in Mexico and in many Mexican communities in the United States and around the world. This holiday is known as “Cinco de Mayo” (which means May 5) and it is usually celebrated with delicious foods, parties, parades, music, and dancing.

Sounds like a fun and interesting holiday huh? The parties are usually very lively and filled with lots of singing and dancing. But do you know about the origins of this holiday and what event in Mexican history this day celebrates? Mane people assume that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the anniversary of the Mexican Independence. However, this is not the case. Mexico declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Cinco de Mayo celebrates an event in Mexican history that occurred over 50 years later.

Mexico was experiencing financial difficulties after the Mexican -American War of 1846-48. In an effort to help restore the country, President Benito Juárez declared that Mexico would suspend payments on all of their foreign debts until 1863. The French, Spanish, and English were not happy with this decision and sent troops to Mexico to get their money. The English and the Spanish quickly made deals with the Mexican government and left the country soon after they arrived. The French, however, were not happy with this situation so they remained in Mexico in order to forcibly get their money.

The French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, sent his relative, Archduke Maximillian of Austria to rule Mexico and get their money. President Juáres appointed several generals in order to help protect Mexico from the French invasion. General Ignacio de Zaragoza was in charge of defending the Mexican city of Puebla. On May 5, 1862, around 6000 French soldiers attacked the city of Puebla. This well-trained and strong French army was not prepared for the resistance and struggle that they faced in Puebla. About 2000 Mexican military men and Puebla citizens, armed with farm and household weapons, defeated the French attack.

Mexico eventually lost the war with the French and Maximillian became the ruler of Mexico in 1864. However, due to increased Mexican resistance and pressure from the United States, the French withdrew its troops in 1867. Although Mexico did not win the war, they did succeed in a battle where they were outnumbered and expected to lose. Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of this surprise victory and the celebration of the bravery of those who fight against oppression. Have fun tonight! Eat some delicious Mexican food, dance, and celebrate. Arriba, Arriba!