Cinco de Mayo

Every year people go out drinking on Cinco de Mayo, but do they actually know what they're celebrating? Despite popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexican independence. Mexican Independence Day is September 16, 1810. Cinco de Mayo is actually the celebration of the surprising Mexican victory against the French in the city of Puebla.

Mexico had received economic support from countries like Spain, England, and France, but did not have any money to pay them back. In July of 1861, Mexcian President Benito Juarez decreed that the country would not repay any debts for two years so they could get themselves back on track. Spain and England had retreated, but France sent over a powerful army of six thousand soldiers to invade Mexico. Juarez became aware of this and sought to defend the town of Puebla while the French were making their way to Mexico City. In a shocking turn of events, the Mexican soldiers were victorious against the French in the city of Puebla. Although, two days later, the city of Puebla was captured by the French who continued on their way to Mexico City.

Before May 5, 1862, the French army had not been defeated in fifty years.