Cinco de Mayo, also known as the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, is a national holiday in Mexico that commemorates the 1862 Mexican victory over the French forces of Napoleon III in Puebla, Mexico. This holiday, celebrated on the fifth of May, has deep roots in Mexican culture, but in American-Mexican culture as well. Cinco de Mayo serves as a proud reminder of an unlikely victory, as well as a day to express and cherish Mexican pride and heritage. After suffering from numerous wars, including the Mexican-American war and the Mexican civil war of 1858, the 19th century country of Mexico was nearly reduced to bankruptcy and impoverishment. This left the country unable to pay back the many foreign debts that had accumulated over the years, and as a result, gave way to the invasion of English, Spanish, and French troops into Mexico. Within a year, English and Spanish troops withdrew after civil negotiations, but Napoleon III of France decided to take this opportunity to establish a Latin empire that would further progress the nation’s tyrannical regime. By late 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed the port city of Veracruz, landing a large French force that drove the Mexicans into retreat. Moving on to the capital of Mexico City, the French sought to obliterate any Mexican resistance, taking over Mexico City and thus the country. Upon getting to the small town of Puebla, however, the well-armed, well-trained French soldiery encountered heavy resistance. The 8,000 strong French army attacked the smaller, poorly trained Mexican army of 4,500. Although the odds appeared to be stacked against the inadequately prepared Mexican army, the Mexicans prevailed on May 5th, 1862. Known as “the premier army of the world” at the tim... ... middle of paper ... ...can descent. School children also often get a chance to try their hands at creating basic Mexican cuisine. In some area of the southwest, particularly in the city of Los Angeles, celebrations of regional mexican dancing and music are held. However, regardless of the area of celebration, one could almost certainly find mariachi band filled restaurants, outdoor festivities, and social gathering with large amounts of Dos Equis and Corona beer for the adults. Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a day that focuses on celebrating Mexican heritage and the Mexican way of life, but still pays homage to the battle that gave way to Mexico’s independence. Whether one is dancing in a large parade, or simply bonding with loved ones, it is important to always recognize the true purpose of Cinco de Mayo, and to recall and thank those who helped secure Mexico’s freedom so many years ago.
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Show MoreMany countries have the pleasure of celebrating Independence Days. These historic holidays are filled with nationalistic celebrations and delicious traditional food. In Chile, the natives celebrate their break from Spain with Fiestas Patrias. In Mexico, the president begins the celebration by ringing a bell and reciting the “Grito de Dolores” and he ends his speech by saying “Viva Mexico” three times.
Cinco de Mayo is usually confused with Mexican Independence day but that day is when Mexico fought French invaders. During 1910, Mexico revolted against its repressive rulers and adapted its new constitution. They came up with the term for those who were told in Mexico they weren’t Mexican and in America who weren’t American. They wanted to belong to both. While the Civil Rights movement is mostly known to give African-American rights but, Chicanos also fought for their rights. The term Chicano first became accepted during the Chicano Movement. Thus, Chicanos have many things to be proud of. Their Aztec ancestors were intelligent people who built a city on water and made all Chicanos royalty. Along with their Mexican ancestors won two revolutions and won against the huge French army. Trinidad Sanchez Jr., a poet, wrote about Chicano pride in his poem, “Why Am I so Brown?” Sanchez wrote the poem in order to call attention to that all should be proud of their skin color. His poem talks about Chicanos having honor in their skin color by using imagery, metaphors, and
The main holidays of Mexico are the Day of the Dead, Guadalupe Day, Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos(The Three Kings Day), Cinco de Mayo, Mexico’s Independence Day, and Christmas. The Day of the Dead is a holiday similar to halloween, but the Mexicans people celebrate the holiday for remembering and honoring your ancestors and loved ones who have died (Stuart 189). Guadalupe Day is a holiday in which mexicans celebrate and worship the Virgin Guadalupe. The holiday is meant to show how much faith you have in the religion. During this day many people do a pilgrimage towards the church on their knees to worship the Virgin of Guadalupe in the church (Stuart 184). The Three Kings Day is a holiday where children receive gifts. This holiday is also based on a religious story, in where The Three Kings go travel far to bear gifts for baby Jesus (Stein 94). In May fifth, Mexico celebrates el Cinco de Mayo, a day where Mexico commemorates their victory over the French militia in the Battle of Puebla. It is mistaken for the independence of Mexico and is mainly celebrated in the United States (Metzger). Mexico’s Independence Day is a day in where Mexicans celebrate the day they became independent from Spain. Christmas is a huge holiday in Mexico as well, where families gather and feast for three days
In my opinion, I find this holiday really interesting. For one reason, this celebration dated way back to pre-Hispanic cultures of Mesoamerica, in the region of Nahu more than 3,000 years ago. It all started after the Spaniards and it lasted for almost 5 centuries later. In the Nahu region, there are the Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecas, Tlaxcaltecs, ChiChimecs, and Tecpanec. For the Aztecs they celebrate the death of each king or ruler. They also honor or dedicate Dia de Los Muertos to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. After centuries of long celebration and unchange trad...
“The origins of the Santiago Carnival go back to the end of the seventeenth century when processions would wind their way through the city streets celebrating the feast day of Santiago, the Patron Saint of the city.” Cuba Absolutely. “Carnival de Santiago de Cuba.” July 21-29, 2014. The Spanish would celebrate ST. James in their own way and then allowed the African slaves to celebrate it, they added their music and dances to the tradition. People then began seeing this tradition as a way to celebrate “el pueblo.” This mixed is was created how carnivals are celebrated in modern Cuba today. The Carnival dates were extended to celebrate other saints during the months of June, July and August and of course to party more. Different cities around Cuba chose what days they will celebrate it, they usually last a week long. Carnivals are full of life, lights and music. People spend the whole year preparing for this day. Dancers have to practice their choreographies, and groups of people have to prepare for the parade, they prepare for the order in which the Carnival goes and the people participating. The carnival starts with children parades, that time is dedicated to all the children. Following that are the walks, people walk and dance to the rhythm of the music and drums. They also do a commemoration to the Cuban heroes. Then the carousels start making their way in, it is very creative, making it perfect! They have different theme carousels with people dancing to the congas and the music. Street vendors also prepare for this celebration, which is a day of great compensation for them. Most of them sell “bocadito” which is sold a lot during carnival days, it is a ripped pork sandwich, and Cuban pizza which is homemade and it’s delicious! The party does not end when the carousel show is over, most kiosk, restaurants and bars are open for the after
There are many traditions in Mexico. On February 5th the Mexicans celebrate Constitution Day. May 21st is President Benito Juarez’s birthday. May 8th is the Anniversary of Pueblo. September 16th is Independence Day. October 12th is Columbus Day. Another day that the Mexicans celebrate is on November 2nd and that’s the Day of the Dead. They celebrate all the people that died in the wars. On December 12th is the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mexican men wear hats called sombreros.
To help me understand and analyze a different culture, I watched the film Selena. The film tells the life story of the famous singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Not only does it just tell personal stories from her life, it also gives insight to the Mexican-American culture. Her whole life she lived in the United States, specifically in Texas, but was Hispanic and because of that both her and her family faced more struggles than white singers on the climb to her success. Even though the film is a story about a specific person, it brought understanding into the culture in which she lived. Keeping in mind that these ideas that I drew about the Mexican-American culture is very broad and do not apply to every single person in the culture, there were very obvious differences in their culture and the one that I belong. Mexican-American culture identifies with their family rather than individualized or spiritual identities and the culture has gone through significant changes because of discrimination and the changing demographics of the United States.
Hispanic American community are rooted from their origins in Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish speaking countries that have come together and form a culture in the United State of America. The culture is built in different categories; for instance, religion, social custom, health practices their privacy, and birth. They come from a comprehensive familiar culture that has been called the second in America. Because of their pride and affection they feel unsafe to give up their past. Their notoriety in the United State has been their resistance to assimilate; their guarded image of Hispanic-American culture has been the tongue of flame. However, their remarkable legacy, Hispanics carry from Latin America is not their language, an inflatable skin, but breathe itself, capacity of soul, an inclination to live. The genius of Latin America is the habit synthesis. Their dance is colorful and beautiful. The dance is to keep in touch with their culture, pass down their culture heritage, and to unite people from different ethnicity who share their passion for dance. Through dancing, help in meditation, to promote health, and spiritual well being.
In The Latino Holiday Book: From Cinco de Mayo to Dia de Los Muertos: The Celebrations and Traditions of Hispanic-Americans, by Valerie Menard, there are numerous amounts of traditions and celebrations for Latinos, most separated by the seasons. In the spring, there are the celebrations of Renewal. During the first week of March, Cuban Americans celebrate Calle Ocho, a celebration similar to Mardi Gras. Named after the street called Little Havana, Miami, this celebration is reserved for salsa dancing to merengue and salsa music as well as eating and drinking before Lent, a tradition where one of the Christian faith sacrifices something for a month. While celebrated mostly by Cuban Americans, the ten day celebration has a multicultural crowd from blacks to other Latinos.
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican tradition that Mexicans celebrate, so if you’re away from home and live in Colorado Springs. Guess what? You can look forward to celebrating the Cinco de Mayo events and still fill apart of you culture even though you’re not home. { chair lady Cindy lucero-archuleta said that’s for nearly 30 years the committee has sponsored the Cinco de mayo fiesta in Colorado attracting over 20,000 people each year.
I am going to tell you about a famous, yet kinda eerie celebration that takes place in mexico. This is a tradition celebrated by the Mexican Natives, most Mexican Americans (including myself) don’t even acknowledge this day, unless they happen to be visiting mexico at the time of this event.
The Corrido reminds each generation that they have a voice. Loyalty to unofficial saints provides each generation a sense of hope that circumstances will go their way. In addition, exposing the myths of immigration may offer the next generation a chance for a better way of life.
Being Hispanic is not just an ethnicity, or a classification for a person's origin; it is a way of life that molds an inspires future generations. It gives an individual a unique perspective in two countries, two cultures, and different hardship. My grandparents raised me in their ranch in Nuevo Laredo Tamaulipas; a border town in Mexico. During my years in Mexico I got to witness, and bathe in a truly impressive culture. I went to several festivals, cavalcades, and rodeos. Met many fascinating individuals, saw impressive architecture, and dinned in many fancy restaurants; such as the pickup truck turned mobile taco establishment. Furthermore, none compare in importance than the lesson my grandpa taught me; nothing comes free, life is but a
The “Monumento a la Independencia” or Angel of Independence is a big statue in downtown Mexico City. This is a major tourist attraction and main focal point for the country. The statue is a gold Greek goddess that stands about 7 meters in height. This monument was built in 1910 which was the beginning of Mexico’s war of independence. The monument symbolizes law, war, justice and peace. Many visitors come to the monument to watch the sunrise as the sun reflects directly off the angel, making a beautiful sight to look at. This monument is also a gathering place for many celebrations including political/ social meetings and celebrations towards the national soccer team.
the birth of God. But, really, it can be very different from what is done in Spain, since Mexico is part of a