On This Day In History

Spanish for the Fifth of May - Cinco do Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla which took place on this day in 1862.

Following on the Mexican-American War (1846-48) and the Reform War (1858-61) the country of Mexico was a social, political and financial basket case.   Owing money to French, British and Spanish financiers Mexican President Benito Juárez suspended payment leading to a declaration of war by the three countries.  Britain and Spain negotiated a settlement and Napoleon III used the opportunity as a pretext to invade Mexico and install Archduke Maximilian (of Austria) as a puppet monarchy. 

A ragtag Mexican force of 2,000 poorly trained and equipped soldiers led by General Ignacio Zaragoza engaged in a pitched battle near Mexico City against a professional French force of 6,000.  Despite being outnumbered and outgunned the Mexican forces prevailed in a decisive victory.

France ultimately occupied Mexico City so this was not a strategic victory; nevertheless,  General Zaragoza became a national hero and the defeat of the French at Puebla became a source of national pride in the Mexican resistance.

This day is not to be mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day - September 16, 1810 - but as a point of national pride it has evolved into a cultural celebration including food, parades, music and fireworks.  Mexican Americans celebrate it as a symbol of ethnic solidarity. 

As for me, I'll likely enjoy a frosty cerveza at the end of the day and raise a toast to my brown-skinned, Spanish-speaking compadres who keep the dairy operations in the neighborhood and Green Bay meat-packing plants running smoothly.

Salud!