Cinco de Mayo -Spanish for “the 5 th of May” -Celebrated nationwide in the United States -Celebrated regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla -In the United States it is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage -In Puebla it is celebrated as a day of victory for the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the battle of Puebla on May 5, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day

Cinco de Mayo -In 1861, the French tried to reconquer Mexico when it failed to pay debt it owed to the French Government -In a fight, at forts in Puebla, an 8,000 French army was defeated by a 4,000 Mexican Army -It is suspected that Napoleon had wanted to take over Mexico to back the Confederate Army during the Civil War -If he had succeeded? What would our country be like today? -This was the first defeat for the French army (the best in the world at that time) in over 50 years. -This battle provided a much needed source of patriotism, unity, and morale for the Mexican people

Cinco de Mayo -On June 7, 2005, a proclamation was issued calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities -In the United States Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico, a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture

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