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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