Why do Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo and not Mexicans? Well, it's simple. Americans love any excuse to party, and Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity to drink tequila and eat tacos!
But in all seriousness, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5th, 1862. At the time, Mexico was in debt and France decided to play the role of a loan shark and invaded Mexico to collect the money owed. But Mexico wasn't having any of it and managed to pull off a surprise victory against the French army.
However, despite the significance of the battle, Cinco de Mayo isn't a big deal in Mexico. Sure, we might have a parade or two, but we're not chugging margaritas or doing shots of tequila. Instead, we save our energy for real celebrations like Dia de Muertos and Independence Day.
You can watch this video of me explaining this date too:
So why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated more in the US than in Mexico? The answer lies in the history of Mexican migration to the United States. In the early 20th century, many Mexicans began to migrate to the US, and they brought their culture and traditions with them. In the 1960s, the Chicano movement, which was a civil rights movement for Mexican Americans, helped to popularize Cinco de Mayo as a way to celebrate Mexican heritage and culture.
Over time, Cinco de Mayo has become a commercialized holiday in the United States, with many companies using it as a marketing opportunity. It has also become a day to celebrate Mexican food and drink, with many people enjoying tacos, margaritas, and other Mexican cuisine.
In some parts of Mexico, we commemorate this day though. It's primarily observed in Puebla, where the battle took place, with parades, reenactments, and other cultural events.
In conclusion, while Cinco de Mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico, it has become an important cultural celebration for Mexican Americans in the United States. It commemorates a significant moment in Mexican history and is a way for people to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.