Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America, behind Brazil and Argentina. Geographically, Mexico is divided into 31 states and its capital is Mexico City. Mexico also has the distinction of being the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. It also is home to the second largest catholic population, with over 90% of the inhabitants practicing.
With so much culture and history in the beautiful country of Mexico, it is hard to focus on just one part of its culture. There is the incredible array of food, the legendary fiesta inducing music and the devout religious observance. One event that I have always found fascinating in this vast cultural mosaic is the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for the 5th of May, is an annual celebration that is mainly observed within the Mexican state of Puebla. Other celebrations are also held across the United States, but there it is more about Mexican heritage and pride. In Puebla, it is an observance of the Mexican's surprising victory over the far superior French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. It is important to note that Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican independence. September 16th is the day that Mexicans celebrate their independence.
The events leading up to Cinco de Mayo are a result of the French occupation of Mexico. The occupation began after a trio of events that left Mexico nearly bankrupt - The Mexican American War, The Mexican Civil War and the Reform Wars. In serious financial trouble, Mexico, decided to nullify all foreign debts, a move that was not very well received. The aftermath of this was France, Spain and England all sending naval forces to Veracruz, in an attempt to extract payment. Mexico was able to negotiate settlements with Spain and England, but the French, under the rule of Napoleon the III, decided to use this opportunity to establish a colony in Latin America.
In 1861, an 8000 strong French force landed at Vera Cruz forcing then President Benito Juarez into retreat. The French marched on to Mexico City, but met heavy resistance at the Mexican forts of Guadalupe and Loreto (both located near Puebla). The 4000 strong, though poorly equipped, Mexican army were able to defeat the French on May 5, 1861. Mexico won that battle, but lost the war. The moral boost to the Mexican people was short-lived, though it still endures as a symbol of Mexican pride and unity.
A year later the French returned with 30,000 troops and were able to sweep aside the Mexican army and capture Mexico City. Emperor Maximilian I, was then set up as the ruler of Mexico. The French, too, would find no lasting success in their victory, as only 3 years later the Americans, done with their civil war, were able to offer support to Mexico, and aid them in driving the French out. Shortly afterward, Maximilian, and his Mexican counterparts, were executed.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is a statewide holiday in Puebla, but not in the rest of Mexico. It is a great day of music, dancing and lots of fantastic food. For anyone looking for a good time to go to Mexico, May is a good bet, as it is the beginning of low season for tourism and there are lots of good travel deals to be had.
With so much culture and history in the beautiful country of Mexico, it is hard to focus on just one part of its culture. There is the incredible array of food, the legendary fiesta inducing music and the devout religious observance. One event that I have always found fascinating in this vast cultural mosaic is the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for the 5th of May, is an annual celebration that is mainly observed within the Mexican state of Puebla. Other celebrations are also held across the United States, but there it is more about Mexican heritage and pride. In Puebla, it is an observance of the Mexican's surprising victory over the far superior French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. It is important to note that Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican independence. September 16th is the day that Mexicans celebrate their independence.
The events leading up to Cinco de Mayo are a result of the French occupation of Mexico. The occupation began after a trio of events that left Mexico nearly bankrupt - The Mexican American War, The Mexican Civil War and the Reform Wars. In serious financial trouble, Mexico, decided to nullify all foreign debts, a move that was not very well received. The aftermath of this was France, Spain and England all sending naval forces to Veracruz, in an attempt to extract payment. Mexico was able to negotiate settlements with Spain and England, but the French, under the rule of Napoleon the III, decided to use this opportunity to establish a colony in Latin America.
In 1861, an 8000 strong French force landed at Vera Cruz forcing then President Benito Juarez into retreat. The French marched on to Mexico City, but met heavy resistance at the Mexican forts of Guadalupe and Loreto (both located near Puebla). The 4000 strong, though poorly equipped, Mexican army were able to defeat the French on May 5, 1861. Mexico won that battle, but lost the war. The moral boost to the Mexican people was short-lived, though it still endures as a symbol of Mexican pride and unity.
A year later the French returned with 30,000 troops and were able to sweep aside the Mexican army and capture Mexico City. Emperor Maximilian I, was then set up as the ruler of Mexico. The French, too, would find no lasting success in their victory, as only 3 years later the Americans, done with their civil war, were able to offer support to Mexico, and aid them in driving the French out. Shortly afterward, Maximilian, and his Mexican counterparts, were executed.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is a statewide holiday in Puebla, but not in the rest of Mexico. It is a great day of music, dancing and lots of fantastic food. For anyone looking for a good time to go to Mexico, May is a good bet, as it is the beginning of low season for tourism and there are lots of good travel deals to be had.
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