Cinco de Mayo or “Fifth of May” is celebrated in Mexico and the U.S.A. every year. Perhaps it is easier to refer to it by its more popular name than the full holiday that is celebrated in the state of Puebla in Mexico where the natives call it “El Día de la Batalla de Puebla” or “The Day of the Battle of Puebla.” This holiday is being observed in remembrance of the victory of the Mexican Army over the French in 1862. In the old American West, it was a means of commemorating the Civil War’s first years. In present day America, it is a celebration of Mexican pride.
Reason for the celebration
Modern Mexican-Americans may not be fully aware of the significance of this holiday and why the 5th of May deserves yearly commemoration. It was on this day almost 150 years ago that General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín led the Mexican Army to victory. Modern Mexicans honor him and his troops with street festivals, parades, and mariachi performances. There are also military parades and annual recreations of The Battle of Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo isn’t the most important celebration in the Mexican calendar and offices, stores and banks are open because it is not a federal holiday. But the unlikely victory of the General and his men are always given due respect, thanks, and recognition for their valiant efforts. The most important public holiday for the Mexican people is September 16 – their Independence Day.
This year there be shooting stars
And unlike past celebrations of Cinco de Mayo, this year there will be shooting stars from the tail of Halley’s Comet. It bears reminding to look up the festive night skies around nine in the evening on the 5th of May because NASA estimates 30 shooting stars per hour. No, Halley’s Comet is not visible this year. It is due to pass by next on 2061. But every year it reminds earthlings of its presence by sending dust and particles to our atmosphere and we see shooting stars.
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower is happening on the 5th of May this year. Just Google a star map, look for the constellation Aquarius and expect an awesome shower meteorites. Since celebrations will definitely go on until the wee hours of May the 6th, the best way to wind down from all the food and drinks and merriment is to sit out of doors and take advantage of a crescent moon over clear rural skies.
The 1861-1867 Franco-Mexican War
In 1861 Mexico was in a financial quagmire and the time came when the British, French, and Spanish demanded reimbursements for debts owed them by the Mexican government. They sent their naval forces, negotiated, and eventually withdrew. That is, except for the French. Napoleon III sent a French fleet to Veracruz and drove President Juarez into the countryside.
On that fateful day in May, six thousand French soldiers proceeded to Puebla de Los Angeles where Juarez was headquartered with 2, 000 men in arms led by Gen. Zaragoza. The French General Lorencez led an assault on the sorely outnumbered Mexicans. And the outcome was a surprise to all. Five hundred Frenchmen were dead while less than 100 Mexicans perished in the battle. This success fueled a nationalistic fervor that fueled the Mexican resistance movement resulting in France’s withdrawal six years later.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Google+
LinkedIn
Email