People in the United States are commemorating this popular holiday known as Cinco de Mayo. However, when you ask around what actually that holiday is, most of them aren’t sure what they are celebrating and why they are doing it.
There are a lot of misconceptions about this holiday. Some people would suggest that Cinco de Mayo originated in Mexican history, but this is actually a false belief. Learn more about this famous holiday by reading these fascinating, legit, historical facts that might blow your mind.
President Benito Juárez Declared It As A Holiday
This is one of the Cinco de Mayo facts you should always remember. Originally referred to as “Battle of Cinco de May” or “Battle of Puebla Day,” the battle anniversary was declared a holiday by Benito Juárez, a Mexican president, as a commemoration of the Battle of Puebla. The declaration was made on May 9, 1862. Unfortunately, the commemoration was no longer considered as a holiday for Mexicans.
More Popular In The United States Than In Mexico
Despite being also known in Mexico, the holiday is widely celebrated and more popular in the United States. The country holds much bigger events, including parades and even imitation of Puebla’s battle?a significant part of the Franco-Mexican War.
It Is Not An Independence Day Of Mexico
On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a catholic priest, claimed the Mexican independence from Spain. The war lasted for over 11 years. Hence, the Mexican Independence day is celebrated on September 16, and the Cinco de Mayo holiday that people celebrate during the spring season is not related to the Mexican War of Independence.
Popularized In The U.S. In The Mid 1900s
To develop America’s relationship with Latin American countries, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted the “Good Neighbor Policy” in 1993, which caused the United States holiday’s popularity. It was also widely promoted due to the Chicano activists who affirmed the soldier’s triumph against European invasion attempts.
Famous Among People Of Mexican Descent
Among 365 festivals, Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated holidays of Mexican descent. Chicago and Houston are two of the big cities that hold this huge annual celebration attended by thousands of celebrants. In Los Angeles, celebrants participate in the Fiesta Broadway street festival as a tribute to Latin American culture.
Celebrates With Native Food And Clothes
The holiday typically comes with native food and clothes. Celebrants host various parties and parades. They usually wear Puebla dresses and listen to mariachi songs as a considerable part of the day. In Chandler, Arizona, people even host chihuahua races, and about 8,000 celebrants are expected to attend this festival’s highlight.
Mole Poblano Is Cinco de Mayo’s Official Dish
People in Mexico and even in the United States love margaritas and tacos, but when it comes Cinco de Mayo festival, mole poblano becomes much more popular. The dish is widely regarded as an official dish of the festival, containing dark chocolates, spices, and chili peppers.
Commemorated In Other Countries
Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo is also commemorated in other countries, including Canada and the Cayman Islands, where they usually host a skydiving boogie and air guitar contest. Some Canadian bars often play Mexican songs and offer Mexican beverages.
The Demand For Avocados Increases Every May
Americans love to eat numerous guacamole every May. Thus, the sale of avocados booms every Cinco de Mayo festival. California Avocado Commission research says that Americans consumed about 87 million pounds of avocados every May 5. Aside from avocados, margarita also becomes too on-demand.
Celebrants Perform “Baile Folkl?rico”
Celebrants of the festival usually perform ‘Baile Folkl?rico during the holiday. It is a traditional Mexican folk dance that dates back to the War of Independence in 1810?a year where most Mexicans were becoming more nationalistic. Colorful clothes and mariachi songs accompany the traditional dance.
Celebrants Wear Patriotic Clothing And Accessories
The whole celebration will be incomplete without people wearing their patriotic dresses and accessories. Some celebrants dress as Mexicans and even soldiers. This can be seen in long parades and parties. Street vendors also wear their preferred clothes with big accessories to show their loyalty to the nation.
Serves As A Rewarding Day For Most Beer Companies
In most cases, the Cinco de Mayo festival is a productive day for most beer companies. Corona’s advertisements encouraged the celebrants to celebrate the culture and tradition of Mexican-American people by drinking beer.
In Conclusion
With the existence of various festivals we celebrate each year, it is essential to know what we are honoring and why we are celebrating them. It is an indication of loyalty or patriotism to a particular country. As a resident, it is your right to know your cultural practices. A little research, reading, and application might help. Hence, when tourists ask you about the festival you are celebrating, you will have a detailed answer.
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