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Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for May 5) is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day. Independence Day in Mexico is actually September 16. History of Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory on May 5, 1862, over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The Mexican army was considered the underdogs, outnumbered 3 to 1. During the 1860’s Mexico had become indebted to France, Britain, and Spain because of the Mexican-American war. Mexican President Benito Juarez suspended the payment of Mexico’s foreign debts for two years; only France turned down the notion of negotiation. Napoleon III saw this as an opportunity to build the second Mexican Empire in Mexico, France, reaping the benefits. The Battle of Puebla In May of 1862, the French force led by General Charles de Lawrence attacked Mexico City. Still, it was resisted by General Ignacio Zaragoza’s Mexican troops in Puebla de Los Angeles. 2000 Mexican fighters stood against the 6000 well-armed French men, where nearly 500 French soldiers were killed than the 100 Mexican soldiers lost in a battle that went on from dusk till dawn. The French were then forced to retreat. Although the Battle of Puebla was not a significant battle, it represented a great symbolic victory for Mexico. It solidified Mexico’s recognition as a nation and proved that Mexico was able to protect and defend itself as a young, independent country. Cinco de Mayo is a reminder that anything is possible. Celebrations in Mexico and the United States In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday primarily celebrated in Puebla. Since this is not a federal holiday, offices, banks and stores remain open, but children get the day off since their schools are closed. Cinco de Mayo festivities include military parades and the enactment of the Battle of Puebla. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a much bigger holiday used to bring awareness and celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. The first reports of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States go back to 1862. Virtual Activities Consider taking a virtual tour of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/national-museum-of-mexican-art How about a virtual tour at The Mexican Museum: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/national-museum-of-mexican-art Check out the Must-see Films from Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema: https://remezcla.com/lists/film/latino-cinema-101-must-see-films-from-mexicos-golden-age-epoca-de-oro/