In honor of our brothers and sisters from Mexican
decent GFN dedicates this issue to you.
The Mexican holiday known as "Cinco de Mayo" is
widely misconstrued, worldwide, even by people of
Mexican descent.
The biggest misconception about "Cinco de Mayo" is
that it commemorates México's Independence Day.
That holiday is, in fact, celebrated on September 16.
On that date back in 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo
issued a proclamation known as "El Grito de Dolores"
that united the many different rebellions going on
against Spain into one cohesive struggle.
México achieved its independence from Spanish rule
in 1821. "Cinco de Mayo" is actually a commemoration
of a victory by Mexican troops in La Batalla de Puebla
more that fifty years later, on May 5, 1862.
From the time of Mexican Independence in 1821 to
the time of this battle in 1862, México suffered
numerous setbacks in its attempts to form a stable
republic, and endured several incursions into its
sovereignty as an independent nation.
Fifteen years into its independence,Texas seceded
from México. The Texas Revolt was led by "American-
Mexicans," Anglos who immigrated from the United
States to México, promising to obey Mexican laws
and respect Mexican traditions. This revolt
eventually led to the Mexican-American War (1846-
1848), a war won by the U.S. As a result, México
was forced to surrender approximately half of its
territory to the U.S. México, which had never been
financially stable, underwent a severe economic crisis
during the 1850s.
"Cinco de Mayo" is not celebrated in México to the
same extent that it is by Chicanos in the U.S.,
mainly because El 16 de septiembre is seen as the
more important holiday.
The reason that Chicanos celebrated the holiday is
that they appreciate its cultural significance (victory
in the face of great odds and the patriotism it
generated) more that its historical relevance.
General Ignacio Zaragosa, the leader at La Batalla de
Puebla, was born in Texas while it was still part of
México. For this reason, he is considered by many to
be the first Chicano hero.
Some scholars, including José Antonio Burciaga,
believe that had the French defeated México at
Puebla, France would have aided the South in the
American Civil War in order to free Southern ports of
the Union Blockade.
During this time, Confederate General Robert E. Lee
was enjoying success, and French intervention could
have had an impact on the Civil War.
It seems that even people not of Mexican descent
may also have an indirect reason to celebrate "Cinco
de Mayo".
Whatever the case may be, people should realize
that this holiday does have some historical and
cultural significance to millions of people and that not
everyone considers it an excuse to go out and party.
