Cinco de May (Spanish for “Fifth of May”) is a holiday in Mexico, and popular among Mexican-Americans in the United States.
The holiday commemorates a military victory at Puebla, Mexico, in 1862. In itself, the battle was not that important. But symbolically, it meant a great deal.
The Mexican people had gained independence from Spain in 1810. This was followed by internal political wars, then the Mexican-American War, and finally, the Mexican Civil War of 1858. These were now behind them, but the economy was in ruins.
France, using as an excuse Mexico’s failure to pay its debt, sent an invading army to take over Mexico City and install Napoleon’s relative, Maximilian of Austria, as ruler. The French army was moving toward Mexico City when, on May 5, 1862, a small and poorly armed detachment of Mexican soldiers defeated them.
France eventually sent a much larger army that managed to take over Mexico City in 1864, but the success was short-lived, lasting only three years.
Cinco de Mayo honors the spirit of the outnumbered militia that bravely withstood the powerful French army.
I am also giving you a reflection ping for these Easter thoughts, since this day marks the halfway mark through the Easter season. (I know, I am catching up here since I was offline for so long!) Thanks for your understanding.
The first post of each day has to do with either a historical figure, the day, church history, etc. (Various topics.....some even a little nonsensical.)
The second post for each day is a short reflection on that day's Gospel Reading. Try these little six minute reflections each day! (When I catch up I will post them in the morning and post the link in the daily readings thread.)
During Advent and Lent I tried posting this with the daily readings, but I sort of like this format. What do you think?