Cinco de Mayo: Time to celebrate unity

I’m occasionally asked why Cinco de Mayo is so popular in the
United States. After all, it’s not a national holiday in Mexico.
The date, May 5, 1862, commemorates a short-lived victory against
French forces in the town of Puebla and is celebrated only
regionally in Mexico. This date is not Mexico’s national
independence day.
I’m occasionally asked why Cinco de Mayo is so popular in the United States. After all, it’s not a national holiday in Mexico. The date, May 5, 1862, commemorates a short-lived victory against French forces in the town of Puebla and is celebrated only regionally in Mexico. This date is not Mexico’s national independence day. Mexico celebrates their independence day Sept. 16, the date that began the 11-year war (1810-1821) with Spain.

My initial response to the question is that Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture. One of my earliest memories of this celebration was in the third grade. My teacher pulled me aside during recess and played a few folkloric songs from a record player. She asked me, “Do you know how to dance to these songs?” I told her that I’d seen others dance to the music but that I didn’t know all the steps. She then asked me if I would be willing to dance in front of the school during an assembly, and I said, “Sure.” For the next couple of weeks, Amalia, the only other Mexican girl in my class, and I practiced folkloric dances during recess. A couple of parents volunteered to sew and create our costumes. On the big day, Amalia and I danced in front of the school, and I was proud to share my culture with my fellow students. 

During subsequent years and depending on my teachers, Cinco de Mayo festivities varied but were mostly centered around food, music and dance. One year, Mexican students were encouraged to dress in traditional attire or bring items to share with students. I wore white leather sandals (Huaraches) that indigenous Indians wear in the region of Mexico that I’m from. Another year, I brought to class some home-made corn meal patties (gorditas) that were stuffed with beans, cheese, or potatoes. Many of my fellow students had never tasted anything like it before, and thereafter, my mother was swamped with requests for more. 

Aside from the holiday being an opportunity to share the Mexican culture with others, there are historical ties between Cinco de Mayo and the United States. The Mexican general, Ignacio Zaragoza that led the army and the townspeople of Puebla against the French, was from Texas. His courage and leadership against overwhelming odds made him a hero not only to Mexicans but also to Texans (Tejanos).

Some historians point out that Napoleon III’s decision to invade Mexico during the American Civil War was an attempt to aid the South in the conflict and to expand his empire to the Western Hemisphere. The French defeat at Puebla and the Union’s victory over the South at Gettysburg a year later spoiled any plans of a French expansion.

While Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of culture that has historical ties between the United States and Mexico, I think its popularity stems from what it represents to so many people. It is the classic story of the underdog beating the champion – the oppressed overthrowing the oppressor. The Battle of Puebla is similar to the Biblical story of David and Goliath where a small boy slays a giant. In Puebla, a small untrained group of townspeople banded together to successfully and surprisingly defeat the well-equipped French army. 

Within the American Revolution, there are similar battles that illustrate the same triumph. For example, after previously suffering several defeats, George Washington led his beleaguered troops on a surprise attack at Trenton. This one small victory boosted morale and inspired America’s struggle for independence. The Battle of Puebla similarly united Mexico against foreign occupation.

Today, neither Mexico nor the United States is waging war against foreign armies on domestic soil. However, our common foes are unemployment, escalating energy costs, access to health insurance, quality education, transportation and affordable housing. These issues require leadership and a resolve to unite to find solutions. Even small victories encourage us. Stories of overcoming obstacles motivate us to continue.

Benito Juarez, the President of Mexico at the time of the Battle for Puebla, is famously quoted as saying, “Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.”

The spirit behind Cinco de Mayo is unity for a common cause, and, regardless of the odds, being courageous and bold enough to confront the problem. Why is Cinco de Mayo so popular in the United States? It’s an opportunity to share culture, examine shared history and seek ways to unite.

Mario Banuelos has lived in Morgan Hill for 21 years. He has served on the south County Dayworker Committee and is a member of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation. He is married and has four children.