The Story of Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day-- that's September 16. Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, celebrates an incredible victory by native Mexican soldiers over the imperialist French who tried to rule them way back in 1862.
The French wanted to collect their debts from Mexico and, rather than making a deal with Mexican government, decided to put into power a new French emperor, Maximilian. Most native Mexicans were furious.
The Mexican leader, General Zaragosa, ordered Colonel Diaz to attack the flanks of the French army with his excellent cavalry. The French chased them, and were defeated. Those French forces that remained were ordered to attack. They charged through mud, a thunderstorm, and a stampede of cattle stirred up by Native Americans armed only with machetes. They, too, were defeated.
This victory for Zaragosa and his men, at two to one odds, was not only important to the Mexicans, but also to the United States. The French were planning to supply the Confederate Army. With the French influence gone from Mexico, the South lost its chance to rebuild. Union forces continued to grow stronger, and ultimately the South was defeated in 1865. The Union reinforced the Mexican Army immediately after Zaragosa's victory, and the American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico City.
Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate the friendship between Mexico and the United States. Across the United States, Cinco de Mayo parties give everyone a chance to learn more about Hispanic culture.
Learning More in the Library
The Boy Who Could Do Anything & Other Mexican Folk Tales by Anita Brenner
Includes twenty-four Mexican folktales dealing with ancient wisdom, everyday life, magic, and the legendary character Tepozton.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico's military victory over the French in 1862. This video investigates the holiday's history, and observes preparations being made to make the occasion festive, highlighted by the sounds of a Mexican mariachi band.
Cooking the Mexican Way by Rosa Coronado.
Try your hand at traditional Mexican recipes. This book has clear directions and includes interesting bits about Mexican culture.
Fiesta! Cinco de Mayo by June Behrens
Describes the commemoration of the victory of the Mexican army over the French army on May 5, 1862, a victory which signaled the end of foreign invasions of North America. 
The Latino Holiday Book: From Cinco de Mayo to Dia de los Muertos-- The Celebrations and Traditions of Hispanic-Americans by Valerie Menard
Celebrate the Hispanic way all year long! The Latino Holiday Book has a lot of history to offer as well as suggestions for celebrations. Includes some traditional recipes.
Look What We've Brought You from Mexico: Crafts, Games, Recipes, Stories, and Other Cultural Activities from Mexican-Americans by Phyllis Shalant
Introduces Mexican culture using crafts, recipes, games, and folktales.
Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo by Dianne M. MacMillan
Provides background on the people and events that are commemorated on two important Mexican holidays, Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo, and describes how these holidays are celebrated.
Cinco de Mayo on the Web
- DLTK's Mexican Activities for Kids
http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/mexico/ - Recipes and crafts for a fun Cinco de Mayo celebration.
- Cinco de Mayo Celebration
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/cinco/ - Link to the history of Cinco de Mayo and discover some fun party games, coloring pages, and recipes to try. Download Spanish games for both the Macintosh and Windows.
