David Wilson
May 05, 2024 - 05:05

Why Cinco de Mayo is Celebrated: History and Meaning

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's victory over French forces, impacting U.S. history. President Joe Biden to host White House reception.

A group of four young people are raising their glasses in a toast with tequila, marking the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, which inspired the Cinco de Mayo holiday. This holiday celebrates a significant victory of the Mexican military over French forces, an event that had implications not only for Mexico but also for the United States.

The Battle of Puebla was a result of Mexican President Benito Juarez cutting payments of foreign debts to the United Kingdom, Spain, and France in 1861 due to financial struggles. While the UK and Spain reached agreements with Mexico, France sought to take control of the entire country, leading to a fierce battle.

Despite being financially strained, Mexican forces, led by Texas-born general Ignacio Zaragoza, achieved a decisive victory over the French at Puebla. This victory forced the French to retreat and delayed their plans for an alliance with the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War.

The celebration of Cinco de Mayo in California and other parts of the Southwest is significant, as California Latinos supported the Union and helped finance Juarez's army. The day holds historical importance, reminding us of the impact of the Battle of Puebla on Mexican-American culture and the U.S.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the U.S., especially by the 37 million residents of Mexican descent. While not an official holiday in Mexico, the day serves as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture in the adopted country. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host a reception at the White House to commemorate the occasion.

The Library of Congress recently acquired 36 Mexican letters that shed light on the Battle of Puebla and its significance in the second French intervention and the U.S. Civil War. These primary sources, along with other resources available online, provide valuable insights into the historical events surrounding Cinco de Mayo and its impact on American history.