Every May 5th Mexicans from Puebla and the United States celebrate their victory over the French at the 1862 Battle of Puebla. Under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, the battle marked a turning point in Mexican national pride as the French troops led by Napoleon III far outnumbered their untrained commoners, yet none-the-less, met with defeat. The ‘Batalla de Puebla’ became a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism, and reason to celebrate thru annual festivities for years to come.
In honor of the cultural heritage and history of the Chicano people, J&O Fabrics offers a colorful selection of Mexican themed novelty prints to adorn your next Cinco De Mayo celebration. Create festive window and table dressings, costumes, parade float decorations or other customized crafts to mark this special occasion. If this is your first time celebrating Cinco De Mayo, or you are just interested in finding out more, here are some important facts surrounding this very festive and celebrated holiday.
1. Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the phrase ‘5th of May’.
2. Cinco de Mayo marks the 1862 victory of Mexico over the French in the ‘Battle of Puebla’.
3. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by Mexicans at home and abroad (US) as a reflection of their country’s history, heritage and cultural pride.
4. Parades, fiestas, dances, historic reenactments, traditional foods and music mark this special occasion.
5. General Ignacio was born in Texas (when it was still part of Mexico), and is considered to be a hero among the Chicano people.
6. If it were not for the victory of the Pueblas, the French would have assisted the South in the American Civil War, reshaping the outcome of that battle as well.
7. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to such a large degree in the U.S. because Mexicans make up 9% of the nations total population.
8. Cinco de Mayo was originally started in 1967 by a group of California State Univ. students who decided to honor a day commemorating the historical victory of the Chicano people.
9. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is recognized more so as a date to celebrate the culture and experiences of Americans with Mexican ancestry. It is observed by many people regardless of ethnic origin.
10. Some well known Mexican entertainers/historical figures include but are not limited to: Cesar Chavez, Selma Hayek, Benicio Del Toro, Carlos Santana, Don Miguel Ruiz, and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
