Did you know that…
- Cinco de Mayo means “the fifth of May.” Many people believe it is Mexico’s
Independence Day, but that is incorrect. (Mexico’s Independence Day is
September 16.) Rather, Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of a battle that
took place between the Mexicans and the French in 1862.
-
The battle is known as the Battle of Puebla, and it celebrates
Mexico’s victory over the French. It also marks a turning point in
Mexican national pride. A small, poorly armed group of about 4,500 men
were able to stop the French invasion of a well-equipped French army
that had about 6,500 or even 8,000 soldiers. The victory made the
Mexican people very happy, and helped create a feeling of national
unity.
- While Cinco de Mayo
is a national holiday in Mexico, it is mainly observed in the state
capital of Puebla. However, in the United States, it is becoming a
popular holiday to celebrate Mexican culture. Kids and families can try
delicious Mexican food, listen and dance to Mexican music, make and
admire Mexican art, and shop for fun souvenirs and products at markets
called “Mercado.”
- The
largest Cinco de Mayo event in the world is held in Los Angeles,
California, where more than 600,000 people celebrate with music and
food. The whole event is called Festival de Fiesta Broadway. Two other
big festival are held far from Mexico, in Denver, Colorado, and St
Paul’s, Minnesota, but they draw hundreds of thousands of participants.
- There aren’t any specific foods associated with Cinco de Mayo, but traditional Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, guacamole and tacos are popular.
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