For those looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the odds are there will more parties in the United States than Mexico.
While the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, was a significant win for the Mexicans over the French, it was just one battle. There isn’t even anything on the U.S. calendar that is comparable.
Like the United States celebration of July 4 as its independence day from England, the Mexicans have Sept. 16 as their day of independence from Spain. Those are national holidays in the respective countries.
Cinco de Mayo has become a reason to eat Mexican food and drink margaritas in the U.S. Some cities do something more where it is also a celebration of Mexican culture. Mexicans living in the U.S. at the time of the battle were the first to celebrate this day. Now few in U.S. even know the significance of the day.
Other countries also celebrate Cinco de Mayo much in the way the U.S. does.
It is the town of Puebla, on the main land about 82 miles southeast of Mexico City, that goes all out on May 5. After all, this is where the battle was won; with about half the number of forces the Spaniards brought. Annual celebrations usually include a parade, a re-enactment of the fight, music, dancing and food. Mexico City often celebrates in the same manner.
It really feels like the market in the US is for profit from businesses that sell products related to celebrations – beer, tequila, etc…. As usual we are driven by profits……