Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Cinco de Mayo


Cinco de Mayo
is a festival celebrated by Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Some cities hold parades and concerts where different kinds of food, beverages, and music are existent. In areas such as U.S.-Mexico border and cities with a high population of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture.

The history of Cinco de Mayo goes back on May 5, 1862. When Mexico couldn’t pay their debt to France, Napoleon, the ruler, sent his relative Maximilian of Austria to lead Mexico. The soldiers landed on Vera Cruz and marched towards Mexico City. However, the Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French army. The Mexicans won the battle even though the French army was three times larger than the Mexican army. However, the victory was short lived. Napoleon sent more army to Mexico and appointed Maximilian as the ruler. Maximilian governed Mexico from 1864-1867. U.S. sent military aid to expel French forces, which led to the execution of Maximilian by Mexicans.

Today the holiday is celebrated in Mexico, most exuberant in the city of Pueblo. Mexicans and Mexican-Americans honor the holiday in U.S. as well.

Malapit na. We are going to have a celebration at work…Can’t wait!

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