{"id":21979,"date":"2017-05-05T10:17:56","date_gmt":"2017-05-05T14:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=21979"},"modified":"2025-05-05T08:53:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:53:40","slug":"three-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-cinco-de-mayo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/three-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-cinco-de-mayo.html","title":{"rendered":"Three Things You Probably Didn\u2019t Know about Cinco de Mayo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/em><\/strong>: In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega uses old newspaper articles to explain the origin and celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book \u201cFrom the Family Kitchen.\u201d
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo today with family or friends, at home or a local restaurant? Cinco de Mayo is a holiday often associated with food \u2013 but do you know why May 5th is important to Mexicans and Mexican-Americans? Here are answers to three questions you may have about this May holiday.<\/p>\n

\"Photo:<\/a>
Photo: performers at the White House celebration of Cinco de Mayo in 2007. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s Not Mexican Independence Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the biggest misconceptions about Cinco de Mayo (i.e., the 5th of May) is the belief that it is Mexican Independence Day. However, Mexican Independence Day is actually September 16th. On that day in 1810, the \u201cCry of Dolores\u201d read by Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla began the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. The \u201cGrito de Dolores\u201d or \u201cCry of Dolores\u201d defiantly \u201ccalled for the end of 300 years of Spanish rule in Mexico, redistribution of land, and racial equality.\u201d*<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, New Mexico), 15 September 1906, page 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Though some communities in the southern border towns in the United States may commemorate September 16th, it\u2019s Cinco de Mayo that is more familiar to Americans.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
New York Herald (New York, New York), 6 May 1886, page 7<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It Has a French Connection<\/strong><\/p>\n

If Cinco de Mayo isn\u2019t Mexican Independence Day, what is it? Cinco de Mayo, like Mexican Independence Day, does have a military connection \u2013 but it commemorates the 1862 Mexican army\u2019s victory over the French army during the Battle of Pueblo, fought during the Franco-Mexican War.**<\/p>\n

\"Illustration:<\/a>
Illustration: Battle of Puebla, 5 May 1862. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That war started in 1861 when French forces under Napoleon III, Napoleon Bonaparte\u2019s nephew, invaded Mexico. France was supported in its invasion by Spain and the United Kingdom, who all were affected by the president of Mexico\u2019s decision to stop interest payments to foreign countries.***<\/p>\n

Americans Have Been Celebrating Cinco de Mayo for Decades<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to assume that Cinco de Mayo celebrations are a more recent event in the United States. Perhaps you\u2019ve thought that the day is just a \u201choliday\u201d promoted by alcohol companies and restaurants. Judging from historical newspapers, Mexican Americans have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the United States for well over a hundred years.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Tucson Citizen (Tucson, Arizona), 6 May 1902, page 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Americans who were not of Hispanic descent started joining in on the festivities shortly thereafter. Historical newspapers report that Cinco de Mayo festivities have included parades, speeches, dancing \u2013 and yes, food.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 28 April 1940, page 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While this day historically was a commemoration of a victorious battle, it has evolved to be a day in the United States that celebrates Mexican culture.<\/p>\n

What are you doing today to celebrate? Whether you are learning more about the history behind Cinco de Mayo, enjoying some Mexican food, or getting together as a family or community, have a great day!<\/p>\n

Genealogy Tip:<\/em><\/strong> Newspaper articles about Cinco de Mayo celebrations can be found in U.S. newspaper printed in English as well as Spanish. Check out GenealogyBank\u2019s Hispanic American Newspaper Archives<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Explore over 330 years of newspapers and historical records in GenealogyBank. Discover your family story! Start a 7-Day Free Trial<\/a><\/p>\n

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