Around the world people get together on May 5th to celebrate over tacos and tequila, but what exactly are we celebrating?
We’ll give you a hint amigos… it’s not Mexican Independence Day!
The 5th of May honours the Mexican military victory at the Battle of Puebla over the French army in 1862.
After earlier wars nearly bankrupted the Mexican Treasury, in 1861 president Benito Juarez temporarily suspended repayment of foreign debts, causing English, Spanish, and French troops to invade the county. Though coming to peaceful agreements with the English and Spanish, the French (under Napoleon III) took this as an opportunity to establish an empire in Mexico.
In 1862, the French army attacked a poorly equipped Mexican force under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza. Though half of the French army’s size, the Mexican army successfully defeated the French troops. This victory boosted the morale of the Mexican people, and though the French would remain in Mexico for another 5 years, the Battle of Puebla became a symbol of Mexican nationalism and resistance.
The holiday has since become a widely celebrated day in the United States as well as Mexico, and now around the world.
So this year when you’re at Taco Bill eating tacos, nachos and drinking beer or margaritas, you can tell your amigos the true meaning behind Cinco de Mayo!
Some celebrate this special day with us and book now!
