Cinco De Mayo: Mexican Culture

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Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of mexican culture and hispanic heritage. It is often mistaken for Mexico’s independence day which actually lands on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 The Battle of Puebla was a battle fought at Puebla, Mexico. It was among the liberal government headed by Benito Juarez and the French forces sent by Napoleon III. France wanted to establish a French satellite state in Mexico. Mexico was in a great financial debt to European countries. In 1861, Benito Juarez became president of Mexico and he was forced to default on his debts to European governments due to the financial state they were in. In response, France, Britain, and …show more content…
Meanwhile, the Civil War had wrapped up, and U.S. officials were applying diplomatic pressure on the French and supplying weapons to Juárez’s army. With his coffers running low, Napoleon III decided in 1866 to end France’s stay in Mexico.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo celebrations usually take in place in Puebla, southeast of Mexico City, where General Zaragoza defeated the French. But, for most Mexicans, Cinco de Mayo is just like any other day. Banks, schools, offices and stores are open. It is not a national holiday.
In the United States it is actually a much bigger holiday. Cities with a large Mexican population, such as Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago, hold parades and traditional Mexican music. It was first celebrated in the United States in Southern California in 1863 as a show of solidarity with Mexico against the French rule. Celebrations continued year after year and after awhile its celebration was used as a way to build Mexican-American pride. In the 1980’s the holiday had begun to spread across the nation. It is now a day used to celebrate mexican culture food, music, traditions, and even

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