Why Mexicans Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Battle of Puebla After Independence Day
The Historical Context
The Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862, was a significant military engagement during the Second French Intervention in Mexico. This engagement marked a turning point in the conflict and is celebrated annually as 'Cinco de Mayo.' However, despite its importance, Cinco de Mayo is often overshadowed by the more widely celebrated Mexican Independence Day, which commemorates the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain on September 16, 1810.
Political Crises and International Tensions
The period leading up to the Battle of Puebla was marked by a series of political and economic crises within Mexico. In 1855, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who had served as president several times, was overthrown in a coup known as the Plan of Ayutla. The triumvirate of Juan Alvarez, Ignacio Comonfort, and Benito Juárez took control, with Alvarez eventually taking the lead. Juárez implemented significant constitutional reforms aimed at land redistribution from wealthy landowners and the Catholic Church to peasant farmers, which led to a counter-rebellion called the Plan of Tacubaya under Félix María Zuloaga. This conservative leader forced Comonfort to cede power, and Juárez established a provisional government. However, when Zuloaga attempted to assume the presidency, Juárez was forced to flee to Veracruz, where he gained support from the United States and eventually reestablished control.
Financial Crisis and International Intervention
By the mid-19th century, Mexico was deeply in debt due to numerous wars and internal conflicts. Juárez, who needed to restore order and economic stability, suspended foreign debt payments. In response, the Tripartite Expedition consisting of French, British, and Spanish forces was launched. French Emperor Napoleon III saw an opportunity to expand French influence in the Americas, particularly in light of the American Civil War, and decided to support the Mexican Conservatives in overthrowing Juárez's government.
The Battle of Puebla
On May 5, 1862, a much smaller and less well-equipped force of Mexican Liberal troops under General Ignacio Zaragosa successfully defended the city of Puebla against the much larger French army under Charles de Lorencez. This victory came as a shock to the French and is remembered as one of the greatest military triumphs in Mexican history. The battle marked a significant morale boost for the Mexican cause and prevented the French forces from advancing further into Mexico.
The Legacy of Cinco de Mayo
While the Battle of Puebla was celebrated locally in Puebla as it became more liberal, it did not become a major national holiday. Instead, it gained renewed significance in California, where Mexican heritage and identity were strongly present even after the region was conquered by the United States in 1846. Californios, who maintained strong ties to Mexico, celebrated the victory immediately and continued to do so as a way to assert their cultural identity and challenge the dominance of Anglo-American culture. Over time, as Mexican-American cultural capital grew and Chicano identity became more prominent, Cinco de Mayo became a significant part of the Chicano movement as an example of resistance against conservative imperialism.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the United States as an occasion to enjoy Mexican culture, food, and festivities, often including the consumption of beer and tacos. In Puebla, however, its historical significance continues to be honored with annual re-enactments and statewide celebrations. The battle remains a testament to the resilience and determination of the Mexican people in the face of foreign intervention and oppression.