Cinco de Mayo Is Fiesta Time
Celebration of Mexican Culture and Tribute to Historic Victory
May 2, 2008
Cinco de May (May 5) is celebrated in many U.S. cities, especially those with large populations of people with Mexican heritage. It’s a fiesta that includes mariachi music, folk dancing, Mexican food, and displays of traditional arts and culture.
Historically, the day marks the victory of a small militia of Mexicans over the much larger and better equipped French army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
While celebrated in parts of Mexico, especially the state of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City, it is considered an even larger festival in the U.S.
While often thought to be Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo comes from a different victory. Independence had come much earlier, and is celebrated on Sept. 16.
Following Independence, Mexico became embroiled in the Mexican-American War, in which it lost much of its northern territory to the U.S. The country also suffered through years of civil unrest of its own. Left nearly bankrupt, the government was unable to pay debts owed to England, Spain and France.
Agreements were reached with England and Spain for later debt payment, but France, under Napoleon III, decided to invade Mexico. As the French army headed toward Mexico City, an early battle took place at Puebla, where the well equipped French army was defeated by a much smaller force of patriotic Mexicans. The French army, at the time, was considered an unbeatable force.
The French eventually triumphed and occupied Mexico City. Two years after the Battle of Puebla, France installed Maximilian, a member of the European nobility, as Emperor of Mexico. Maximilian came to his post with his wife, the Princess Carlotta, but his rule was short-lived. The government returned to Mexican hands in 1867.
Cinco de Mayo fiestas are well established in U.S. towns near the Mexican Border. But Portland, Oregon, boasts one of the largest celebrations in North America. Now in its 24th year, the fiesta takes place in the expansive Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the Willamette River in the city’s downtown.
Originated through Portland’s sister-city relationship with Guadalajara, Mexico, the annual festival draws about 300,000 people. It’s a four-day celebration with a parade, food and artisan booths, games, carnival rides and children’s activities including piñata breaking, several covered entertainment stages, and a fireworks display over the river on opening night.
The Guadalajara Ballet Folklorico and other performers travel each year from Mexico to join local Mexican bands and dance troupes.
A naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens takes place during the event.
References:
Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association, Portland, Oregon
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