May 2009 Parent Newsletter

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

More and more schools celebrate Cinco de Mayo each year. Here is some quick background to share with your children so they truly understand the holiday and what it represents.

While the Americans were busy fighting each other during the Civil War, another war was going on in Mexico. It all began because the Mexican government was in debt to three countries: England, Spain and France. The first two didn’t pursue their debts, but France did. Napoleon III was the leader of France at the time, and he wanted to conquer Mexico. Cinco de Mayo, which means the fifth of May in Spanish, celebrates a victory by the Mexican Army over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Observing the Cinco de Mayo victory is very important to Mexican people because it celebrates their rights of freedom and liberty. It also gives them the opportunity to honor those who fought and won against great odds. Although the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the battle represents a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that it would defend itself from all foreign domination.

Today, people celebrate Cinco de Mayo with festivals that include singing, dancing, feasting, costumes, sporting activities, fireworks, and entertainment. They wear clothing of red, white, and green (the colors of the Mexican flag) and make piñatas for children to enjoy. It's important to note that Cinco de Mayo is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is September 16. Instead, it is a chance to honor the memory and bravery of the Mexican soldiers who fought for their country. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the culture of Mexico itself.