In Mexico, May 5 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. There are many celebrations and stories surrounding Cinco de Mayo , or the fifth of May, around the world. The legendary date has grown beyond its history and has become a cultural bond between some Mexican immigrants and their roots. In the United States, the date has become synonymous with celebrating Mexican culture, many times in over-the-top, inauthentic ways.
In Mexico, May 5 simply marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, and the date is associated with a destination: the city of Puebla. The holiday remembers the battle, which took place there in , when Napoleon III sent his troops to invade the country , citing that Mexico was in debt to France. The Mexican army was outnumbered, and the French were considered one of the most powerful armed forces.
However, the 2, Mexican soldiers and about 2, armed civilians managed to defeat the 6, French on that historic day. The Mexican leader was General Ignacio Zaragoza, and after that day the city's name was changed to Puebla de Zaragoza in his honor. Every year, the fifth of May is celebrated in Puebla with an impressive military parade that remembers the bravery of the Mexican troops who fought that day.
More than 10, people take part, between musicians, soldiers, sailors, and dancers. The parade is mostly focused on showcasing different military schools, where soldiers in pristine uniforms march with perfect formations at the pace of the marching band.
The contingents are followed by about 10 floats that show different moments in Puebla's history. Of course, one of them is the battle, but others represent additional facets of the city, including the magical towns surrounding it, its Baroque architecture, the iconic Popocatepetl volcano, and more.
Every year, spectators can't wait for two key moments: the performances by the indigenous communities and the charros. There are many indigenous communities around the city of Puebla, and they get to show some of their culture during the parade, presenting their traditional wardrobes, traditions, and dance. Mexican cowboys and cowgirls — charros and escaramuzas , as they are called in Spanish — are always a spectacle, and that's why they tend to be the final part of the parade.
They were not going to be treated as equals. Racquel Soto, 30, was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and immigrated to the U. Soto later became a U. My Zapotec ancestors died there, and I came to the U. Across the country, restaurants will host Cinco de Mayo specials and cocktails for the holiday. Her biggest pet peeve when it comes to the holiday?
When people call it "Cinco de Drinko. When she can, Soto said she educates her American friends about the Mexican battle and victory on May 5.
Cinco de Mayo is not just an excuse to party. As the celebration assumed greater importance in the country, many have criticised the negative stereotypes of Mexicans that were perpetuated as a result, as well as the promotion of excessive drinking. Click here to join our channel indianexpress and stay updated with the latest headlines.
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