Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over
superior French forces by 5,000 untrained and outnumbered
Mestizo and Zapotec Indian guerilla troops under General
Zargosa at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Although the French later occupied the town of Puebla and
were not defeated and expelled for several more years, the
victory at Puebla filled the people of Mexico with
enthusiasm for their country, and played a role in the
eventual success for the progressive reforms of Benito
Juarez. Moreover, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the right of
people everywhere to self- determination, and of the ability
of indigenous people to withstand an aggressive and
expansive culture.
Today Cinco de Mayo is celebrated especially by Mexicans
in the United States as a time to honor Hispanic culture.
The holiday includes festivals and parades, with singing,
mariachi dancing, ethnic foods, and other revelry.
