What’s the real reason behind Cinco De Mayo?
America is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. This can lead to sharing beautiful or fun celebrations as we learn about the ways or histories of others. However, on the other end of the spectrum, this mixing can lead to bias, disrespect, or commercialization of other people or their cultures. When this plays out in the workplace, it could mean discrimination or a hostile work environment. For instance: hurtful jokes about another ethnicity; stray remarks over African hair hairstyles; disapproving of foreign accents or languages; not respecting cultural or religious traditions; or “cultural appropriation” rather than “cultural appreciation.”
A prime example is Cino De Mayo. Are you celebrating it respectfully? Do you know the real history behind the holiday? If you think Cino De Mayo is Mexican Independence Day or it requires wearing a sombrero while doing tequila shots, you may need a pause to reevaluate your intentions.
Cinco de Mayo is incredibly popular in the US, although most Americans do not know its origin and meaning. First off, no, Cino De Mayo is not commemorating when Mexico gained its independence from Spain. That was in 1821.
Yet, by 1861, Mexico was financially struggling and defaulted on debt payments to European nations, including France. The then ruler of France’s Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, decided to use the outstanding debt as a pretense to invade and extend his North American empire.
The May 5 holiday honors the Battle of Puebla, when vastly outnumbered Mexican forces repelled French Emperor Napoleon III’s troops in 1862 during the Second Franco-Mexican War. The battle ended in a victory for the Mexican Army over a French expeditionary force. While France eventually overwhelmed Mexico in subsequent conflicts and the French were ultimately victorious, Mexico’s victory at Puebla against a better equipped European force provided a patriotic boost to the Mexicans.
Coincidentally, this win happened to help the north defeat the south during the US Civil War because France supported the Confederacy financially. Because of the Battle of Puebla, Frace was forced to reorganize its goals in the Americas and make Mexico’s forces more seriously than before.
On 9 May 1862, Mexican President Juárez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday regarded as “Battle of Puebla Day” or “Battle of Cinco de Mayo.” Today, this victory on May 5th is primarily celebrated in Puebla but later spread to the US, where it was used to celebrate Mexican heritage. Eventually, it became heavily commercialized in the US, especially by the beer and liquor industries.
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