5 Things You Didn't Know: Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is becoming the Mexican version of St. Patrick’s Day. On the 5th of May, party lovers everywhere pretend they understand Spanish, sport a sombrero, do too many rounds of tequila shots, and pass out in the sun holding a burrito in one hand and a Corona in the other. But does anyone have any idea what they’re actually celebrating? Here are five things you didn’t know about your favourite post Bank Holiday, post-St. Paddy’s excuse for getting wasted.  

1- Cinco de Mayo commemorates a victory over France

Mexico owed money to a number of European countries, but in 1861 they went “defaulted student loan” and stopped paying. So France, whose army hadn’t been defeated in 50 years, decided they would force them to pay and, while they were at it, take the country over. French forces were larger, better equipped, and better trained. However, on May 5, 1862, near the city of Puebla, Mexicans armed with pitchforks and limited weaponry won The Battle of Puebla. They drove the French off -- until a year later when the French managed  to take over after all. Still, Cinco de Mayo commemorates that brave and unlikely battle.

2- Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexican Independence Day

Mexican Independence Day, or “Grito de Dolores” ("Cry of/from Dolores"), is celebrated on September 16, and commemorates Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest from the town of Dolores, declaring war against the Spaniards in 1810. He ordered his church’s bells be rung and preached revolt on the steps in front. Spain didn’t recognise their independence until 1821, after nearly a decade of war. A federal holiday, Mexicans celebrate the day with parades, ringing church bells and fiestas. So, basically, Cinco de Mayo has nothing to do with that.

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