5 de Mayo is one of the most important dates in Mexico’s history, since the Battle of Puebla occurred on this day; an event that marked the course of Mexico’s history.
The events occurred in 1862, when European forces invaded Mexican territory, this with the aim of taking the capital of the country, however, what happened in Puebla caused foreigners to have to postpone their plans.
One of the aspects that has most attracted the attention of historians is that the people of Puebla were victorious despite having in their ranks a large number of inexperienced combatants, who were accompanied by a small number of soldiers sent by the then president, Benito Juarez.
The Mexican army was almost improvised, since it did not have a good amount of ammunition and, unlike the enemies, the number of firearms in its possession was very low. Indigenous people presented themselves with sticks, machetes, and stones. In this way, before going out to battle, General Ignacio Zaragoza gave a speech in which he exclaimed:
“…Today you are going to fight for a sacred object, you are going to fight for the Homeland and I promise you that on this day you will conquer a day of glory. Your enemies are the first soldiers in the world, but you are the first children of Mexico. Soldiers, I read victory and faith on your foreheads. Long live national independence! Long live the country!”
“The Battle of Puebla, represents the unity and the triumph of the true Homeland,” Sergio Salomon, Governor of Puebla.
Batalla de Puebla
Every May 5th the “Battle of Puebla” which took place in the year 1862, in the vicinity of said city, is commemorated. It was a war between the armies of Mexico, commanded by Ignacio Zaragoza, and the Second French Empire, commanded by Charles Ferdinand Latrille.
In April 1862 French troops landed in the port of Veracruz, undertaking a military campaign towards the center of the Republic. Also known as the “Battle of May 5,” the confrontation took place on the hill of Loreto, at the top of which was a chapel that was conditioned as a fort to defend the city of Puebla.
Ignacio Zaragoza eventually became a national hero by commanding a troop of almost 2,000 soldiers and 2,700 peasants, achieving victory against a French army, that used pistols, carbines, bayonets, and cannons.
With the exception of the celebration of September 16, the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla is the most significant date in the Mexican civic calendar, as it was one of the few victories against an invading foreign army.
The Battle of Puebla represents unity, putting the interests of the nation before individuals and the triumph of the true Homeland, stressed Governor Sergio Salomón when leading, together with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the commemorative ceremony for the 161 Anniversary of said act occurred on May 5, 1862.
Sergio Salomón pointed out that Mexico endorses every day that it is a nation of good and hard-working people, of families that instill values and with a people with a wisdom that allows us to recognize where it comes from and where it is going: “How proud to be Mexican! How proud to be from Puebla! How proud to walk by your side President Andrés Manuel López Obrador!”
The commemoration of the Battle of Puebla is held every year to recognize the value of the people who, without having the necessary preparation or weapons, were able to stop the enemy troops, which was one of the strongest at that time.
“This fact became a strong symbol of resistance and Mexican power, precisely representing a symbolic victory against the great empires,” was indicated in an official article of the Government of Mexico.
A Month Long Celebration
Cinco de Mayo is more than a holiday. It combines a live history lesson, a gastronomic feast, and a celebration of Mexico’s cultural heritage. The celebrations are not limited to just the specific day: in Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is a month-long festival. On May 5, the Battle of Puebla is recreated in the place where it occurred: a colorful parade of floats and participants dressed in bright traditional costumes winds through the streets. The entire history of Mexico is shown. In the weeks before and after the main day (April 2 to May 10), the city enjoys festivities with mariachis, tacos, and margaritas, as well as dance performances, theater, classical music, pop concerts, and fairgrounds. in various places.
Families lined the streets of Mexico City's Penon de los Banos neighborhood to watch people dressed in period costume re-enact the Mexican army's triumph over the French forces in the 'Battle of Puebla' 161 years ago, popularly known as Cinco de Mayo pic.twitter.com/IFiVbWf7IU
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 6, 2023
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