Independence Day in Mexico (Día de la Independencia) is commemorated on September 16, the anniversary of the revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla’s famous “Grito de Dolores” (“Cry of Dolores,” referring to the city of Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico), a call to arms that amounted to a declaration of war against the Spanish colonial government in 1810. Many people outside Mexico mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican independence, which was declared more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla. READ MORE: 7 Things You May Not Know About Cinco de Mayo Confusion With Mexican Independence Day Some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. At the time, the country was in financial ruin after years of internal strife, and the new president was forced to default on debt payments to European governments.Ĭhicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of Indigenous Mexicans (such as Juárez) over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla. She also featured in the clip for her former boyfriend, Cody Simpson's, song ' Surfboard. The singer's lover is played by Sports Illustrated model Gigi Hadid. In 1861, Benito Juárez-a lawyer and member of the Indigenous Zapotec tribe-was elected president of Mexico. 'It was very easy, it was very simple.' Directed by Miguel himself, the artsy black-and-white clip was shot on the hard streets of East Los Angeles. Instead, it commemorates a single battle. Cinco de Mayo HistoryĬinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, a popular misconception. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. The day, which falls on Wednesday, May 5 in 2021, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. Confusion With Mexican Independence DayĬinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.all who are expert in the simple meaning of the biblical text as set. Why Do We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the United States? Selected Writings Abraham Miguel Cardozo, David L.How Long Did the Battle of Puebla Last?.