Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is best compared to America’s holiday of the seventh of December, otherwise known as Pearl Harbor Day in that it commemorates a famous battle. The holiday marks the victory of Mexican forces of the French occupational forces based upon the Battle of Puebla. This was a significant victory for the Mexican forces because they were outnumbered in people, training, and weaponry.

Cinco de Mayo, translated literally the fifth of May, is a national holiday of Mexico that also has wide observance within the United States much like that of other ethnic celebrations like that of St. Patrick’s Day. Although Cinco de Mayo is not an officially recognized national holiday in the United States, many communities – especially those with large Latino and Chicano populations – celebrate the day with parades, banners, special classes, and cultural displays of dancing and food.

More traditional celebrations of the Cinco de Mayo observance, especially in areas like Puebla, Mexico, include a fiesta that features lots of Mexican food, Mexican music, parades, mariachi bands, pinatas, and fireworks after dark. In Puebla and Mexico City, and observer can watch a re-enactment of the Battle of Puebla which demonstrates how difficult the four hour battle really was for the Mexican soldiers to win. Mexican soldiers, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, had machetes and muzzle loaders by which to fight Napoleon’s French army. Therefore, it seemed that the Mexican Army defied all odds to defend itself. Ultimately the French did end up occupying Mexico, however the Cinco de Mayo celebration commemorates the bravery and determination the Mexican people showed when faced with unbeatable odds.

Cinco de Mayo has a strong tie to the practice of eating and drinking and for that reason it has had a large American following as well, especially along border communities and larger cities. Because of this focus of food and drink, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse for hosting a get-together. Consider when choosing your party accessories all things Mexican, including Mexican flag and colors, Mexican music, and lots of food and drink. Your on-line party supplier has an excellent selection of party accessories including tableware, balloons, and even a traditional pinata to ensure your party is a big success.