Literally translated as the fifth of May and celebrated on that date, Cinco de Mayo is a frequently misunderstood holiday in the United States. Some people confuse it with Mexican Independence Day, while others imagine that it is a huge holiday in Mexico that has only recently caught on in the U.S. In fact, Cinco de Mayo is far different than many people’s perceptions, but there is no doubt that it is a great reason for a party and a great occasion for displaying many different types of fireworks from sparklers to aerial shells and everything in between!
Battle of Puebla
In a bid to halt what the United States perceived as encroaching European imperialism, President James Monroe issued what came to be known as the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. It essentially stated that any attempt by a European nation to colonize a formerly independent nation in North or South America would be viewed and dealt with as a hostile act. Over the next decades, the Monroe Doctrine grew from a minor declaration to a major piece of United States foreign policy.
In 1861, however, the United States became embroiled in its own Civil War, and was in no position to intervene in international affairs. That same year, Britain, France, and Spain sent troops to Mexico to try to collect on defaulted debts. It soon became clear, however, that France intended to conquer Mexico rather than simply collect the owed funds. Britain and Spain withdrew.
Later that year, France landed a large and well-supplied military contingent, forcing the Mexican government into retreat. As skirmishes broke out over the next month, Mexican resistance forces were driven further and further back. On May 5, 1862, however, the two armies met in the heavily fortified city of Puebla.
Although the French outnumbered the Mexicans by three times, the ragtag band of Mexican fighters persevered, aided by two hilltop forts and a strategically superior position. By early evening, with nearly 500 soldiers lost, the French withdrew. Fewer than 100 Mexican soldiers died in the battle.
It was not the end of French occupation, nor even the biggest battle in the war. In fact, France won a short-lived victory in 1864, when Napoleon installed Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian as emperor of Mexico. Nonetheless, the Battle of Puebla was the symbolic victory that Mexican resistance fighters needed to keep their spirits up. Following the Civil War, the United States was able to again devote attention to its southern neighbor, providing the political pressure and military support needed for Mexico to finally rid itself of French occupation for good in 1868.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Mexico
Cinco de Mayo was declared a Mexican holiday on May 9, 1862, just four days after the historic battle. However, it has only been celebrated as a full holiday, for which work is cancelled, in Puebla and its neighbor, Veracruz. Throughout the rest of Mexico, schools are closed on May 5, and many communities hold small local celebrations. Military parades, battle reenactments, and various festivals are common, but it is otherwise considered a regular day across most of Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the United States
Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated in California since the 1860s, largely in solidarity with the Mexican resistance. However, it did not begin to spread to the rest of the United States until the 1940s and 1950s, with the rise of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement. By the 1960s, Cinco de Mayo was fairly well-established across the U.S., particularly in areas with a large Mexican-American population.
What really got Cinco de Mayo going in the United States, though, was the involvement of major beer companies in the 1980s. Sensing an excellent marketing opportunity, companies began sponsoring parties and festivals in big cities across the nation. By the early 2000s, a heady blend of Mexican-American pride and the general love of a good party made Cinco de Mayo enormously popular throughout the U.S.
In 2005, Congress passed a bipartisan resolution to place an increased focus on the history and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo. To that end, many school districts now hold special events, and many groups and organizations throw Mexican cultural festivals on or near Cinco de Mayo.
Mexican Independence Day?
Many Americans believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day. In reality, however, that day—which is celebrated as a major holiday in Mexico—actually falls on September 16. It is unclear exactly why the U.S. picked up on Cinco de Mayo rather than Mexican Independence Day, though the calendar may play a big role.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo falls just weeks before Memorial Day, traditionally the beginning of the summer vacation season. Mexican Independence Day, however, falls shortly after Labor Day, traditionally the end of the summer season. Perhaps Americans are just more inclined to start the party season early than to continue it into a time when the weather is starting to turn crisp in much of the country.
Although the history and significance of Cinco de Mayo are unclear to many Americans, there is little doubt that the parties and celebrations will continue. After all, Mexican-American pride is strong, and who can resist kicking back with friends and relatives, watching fireworks and drinking a beer, a few weeks ahead of the traditional summer kickoff?
At Dynamite Fireworks, we don’t only sell top-quality, name-brand fireworks. We also highlight the many special occasions to display fireworks and we provide the information you need to know to use them responsibly, legally, and safely. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (219) 937-4090. We look forward to becoming your one-stop shop for all your fireworks needs!