History Behind Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Mexico had accrued significant amounts of debt from numerous countries, including Spain, England, and France, during the chaotic years after its independence from Spain. Due to the country's growing political upheaval, Mexican President Benito Juarez imposed a two-year moratorium on all foreign loan repayments, after which the payments would resume.

Outraged, Spain, England, and France came together, sending fleets of soldiers and national leaders to collect money owed to them and confiscate property rights in lieu of payment.

Both Spain and England struck reparations arrangements with Mexico and withdrew their troops. However, under Napoleon III, France had other plans, notably conquest. Napoleon desired to install his relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as the country's ruler. France turned down the offers and Napoleon dispatched troops to Mexico City.

General Ignacio Zaragoza was soon appointed by President Juarez. The commander gathered 4,500 ill-equipped Mestizo and Zapotec Indian farmers who were about to launch an attack. The French Army had only deployed 6,500 troops, expecting an easy takeover, but they were greeted with fierce resistance along the march from Veracruz, where the troops landed.

On May 5, when the French arrived in Puebla, the Mexican army repelled them using guerilla tactics, hard terrain, and a cow stampede from local villages. The fight was won by the Mexicans when the French were forced to retire.

Unfortunately, the romance was short-lived, as the French eventually won the war and occupied the country until 1867, when Archduke Maximilian was killed and Benito Juarez rebuilt the government.


Figure 1: Cinco de Mayo Decor

Celebration in mother land

Today, May 5th is observed in Puebla, Mexico City, and, to a lesser extent, throughout the rest of Mexico. In different cities around the country, military parades, special feasts, and even a reenactment (sometimes fought with real gunpowder guns) might be witnessed.

Puebla is one of Mexico's most beautiful and historically significant colonial cities. The majestic historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its distinctive beauty is a great starting place for a Cinco de Mayo Décor visit.

Buy Online: Cinco de Mayo Decor

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