What is Cinco de Mayo?

Posted: 12 Monday November 2018

Hola Amigos!

It is fast approaching the day of Cinco de Mayo and soon Americans and Mexicans are going to be eating Mexican food, drinking margaritas and dancing. But what is Cinco de Mayo?

It is not what most people believe to be Mexican Independence Day, which is in fact celebrated on September 16th. It actually comes down to the Battle of Puebla on 5th May 1862.

In 1861, the Mexican president, Benito Juárez, declares his country too poor to pay foreign debt which prompts France to invade Mexico and make it French territory. Upon arrival at Puebla, a small group of outnumbered Mexicans defeated the French army and so the 5th May became a symbol of Mexican resistance. With the help of the US, the Mexicans were able to push out the French and restore the president to power.

Cinco de Mayo is now a bigger celebration in the US than in Mexico, where people celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.

So make sure you come to Pepitos this Friday and raise your margarita glasses and celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

SHARE