Cinco de Mayo

Posted by Jennifer Gerics May 5, 2007

Happy Cinco de Mayo! But what does this term mean? Besides the 5th of May, it means the victory of Mexican troops over the French in the city of Puebla. France was trying ruthlessly to conquer Mexico to expand its own empire. Mexico, meanwhile, stopped receiving support from Spain and England, two nations who aided Mexico financially. America was busy with its own civil war, so Mexico was on its own against little Napoleon's massive ego and desire to expand the French empire. The battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862, and Mexico was able to keep France at bay for the time being. A Mexican militia of 4,500 soldiers overtook the well-equipped, 6,500 man French invasion. And that is why we drink tequila and eat quesadillas today. Ariba!