Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Cadence

This week, the San Jose Cadence campus celebrates a slice of Mexican-American culture—the Cinco de Mayo. Here is a small story to remind us what we are celebrating. The Cinco de Mayo festival marks when the Mexican army defeated the French army at the Puebla.

The Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is a yearly celebration of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. The Cinco De Mayo is associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. In the 1980s, the day gained American popularity beyond those of Mexican-American heritage. The city of Puebla marks the event with various festivals and battle reenactments.

Yolanda Sanchez, Associate Talent Acquisition Ops Specialist, said "In the states, my family and friends celebrate Cinco De Mayo with a BBQ consisting of carne asada, beans, lots of tortillas, side dishes, and music. It’s casual event with lots of food." As a Mexican-American, my family celebrates at the park with lots and lots food and singing Mexican songs in Spanish.

The Battle: Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet attacked Veracruz, landing a large French force. They drove President Juárez and his government into retreat. As the battle moved towards Mexico City, the French army encountered heavy resistance from the Mexicans close to Puebla at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. The French army of more than 8,000 soldiers attacked the poorly equipped Mexican army of only 4,000 soldiers. On May 5, 1862, the Mexicans decisively defeated the French army. This victory represented a significant morale boost for the Mexican army and the Mexican people. It helped to establish a sense of national unity and patriotism.

Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for the Mexican Independence Day. Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the "Cry of Dolores" (El Grito de Dolores).

For additional information on this Mexican-American holiday, visit the article from the Cabrini University blog: A Closer Look at the Cinco de Mayo