May Day, May Day - Mexico Celebrates Independence!

By Kameron Nesen
May 7, 2009

For those of you with a bit of time off in May, why not consider an authentic trip to Mexico in celebration of a historical holiday? Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's unexpected defeat of French forces under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

The battle is recognized for two reasons:

• Being outnumbered almost two to one, the Mexicans defeated a much better-equipped French army that had not been defeated in over 50 years!
• It was the very last time that an army from another continent invaded the Americas.

Similar to Americans celebrating St. Paddy's Day more than the Irish in Ireland, the same rings true for Cinco de Mayo. There is a minor misconception that Mexicans actually celebrate Cinco de Mayo (which they typically do not except in the town of Pueblo). However, you can still enjoy everything Mexico has to offer from delicious food and cervesa to the beautiful beaches of Baja.

Now if you are looking for a fiesta and celebration even larger than Cinco de Mayo, I would suggest a visit for Mexico's Independence Day celebrated on May 16th. The partying begins on eve of Independence Day where crowds of people gather in the towns, villages and cities. Red, white and green filled streets whistle with the sounds of horns and drizzle with confetti! Then at exactly eleven o'clock the crowd goes completely silent. At the very last strike of eleven, the President of Mexico steps out on the palace balcony and rings the historic bell while shouting "Viva Mexico" "Viva la Independencia" echoed by a patriotic crowd. Depending on your location, you may even stumble upon a rodeo, parade, bullfight, horseback ride performance or grand feast.

So whether you decide on Cinco de Mayo or Independence Day - Mexico will make this May one to remember!