Introduction
Cinco de Mayo does not mark Mexican Independence Day (September 15, 1810) as many believe, but the victory at the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862).
It is a commemoration of the victory of 5,000 Mestizo and Zapotec Indians over 6,000 of the French Foreign Legion.
It is celebrated today particularly in the city of Puebla, Mexico, but more widely throughout the United States in Latino neighborhoods as a day of dancing, parades, and lots of authentic Mexican foods.
Leading Up to the Battle
The French Foreign Legion landed in the Port of Vera Cruz with English and Spanish troops to collect debts from the Mexican government. President Benito Juarez had issued a moratorium suspending foreign debt payments for two years.
After some brief conflict, the English and Spanish troops left Mexico, but Emperor Napoleon III had different ideas. He had sent Prince Maximilian to take over the Mexican empire and rule the nation.
Napoleon III was a fervent opponent of the United States for such policies as the Monroe Doctrine declaring “the Americas for the Americas”. As an effort to get a foothold in the American continent Napoleon III planned to conquer Mexico and then further destabilize the United States by sending troops and supplies to the Confederate Rebel Army.
With 50 years of military victory, there was little fear of neither the Mexican nor the American armies in stopping Napoleon III’s plans. French General Charles Ferdinand Latrille de Lorencez’s arrogance and contempt of the Mexican people led him to believe he could take control of the entire country with 6,000 troops.
Battle of Puebla
The French moved from the Port of Vera Cruz towards Mexico City to the West. Taking a nation’s capital was the fastest way to victory. The French government took the city of Orizaba in order to prevent the Mexican from marching to Vera Cruz and forcing them out.
The Mexican General Ignasio Zaragosa retreated to the city of Puebla to regroup his troops after a defeat on April 28. Puebla is a heavily fortified city and covers the city center with forts Loreto and Guadalupe on nearby hilltops. A trench was constructed between the two forts to defend the city against the anticipated attack.
Lorencez attacked Puebla from the north. By the third wave of troops, the French had run out of ammunition and their forces were badly beaten.
When the French retreated, General Zaragosa ordered Colonel Porfirios Diaz to lead the cavalry to outflank the French. The afternoon rains made the retreat difficult on the French while the local Indians, accustomed to the muddy conditions chopped the French down.
Lorencez later completely withdrew troops to Orizaba. When the news of the defeat reached France, Napolean III sent an additional 29,000 troops to Mexico which eventually did overrun Puebla.
But, because of the defeat, it delayed the deployment of troops and supplies to the American rebel army who were defeated at Gettysburg 14 months later. After the defeat of the rebel army, the United States sent troops to aid the Mexicans.
Cinco de Mayo Today
The holiday remains a symbol for Mexican and Latin American strength and determination to fight for territory and rights. It is also a celebration of two neighboring nations fighting to maintain each other’s sovereignty and national cultures.
Host your own Cinco de May party with these traditional Mexican recipes and carry on a tradition that continues to tie Mexican and United States’ history and culture.
Appetizers and Dips
Sandwiches
Pambazo - Official Sandwich of Puebla
Main Dishes
Carne Machaca- slow cooked beef
Beverages
Michelada - The Mexican Way to Drink Beer
Sangrita - The Only Way to Drink Tequila
