Every year as we approach Cinco de Mayo, friends seek me out to ask about Mexican Independence Day and the what Mexicans do to celebrate. They almost feel let down when I tell them Cinco de Mayo is not about Independence and that most Mexicans will be working.
Cinco de Mayo is the day the Mexican Army, under the direction of General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French troops in the Battle of Puebla. In Mexico, unless you are in Puebla, the day is hardly even mentioned. It seems as if the hoopla generated by the day here in the US is more a creation of Budweiser than anything else.
Here’s a great history of the battle and a great read on the day from our friend, Suzanne Barbezat on her About.com Mexico Travel site.
Here’s today’s video Google+ hangout about contemporary Mexico with friends in Oaxaca and Mexico City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT6fWyjEqk8
Thanks Ron for the link!