Celebrating the Mexican Defeat of the French in the Battle of Puebla
This is a standard map of Mexico showing major cities, boundaries, and
surrounding bodies of water.
http://www.zihautanejo.net/cvm/maps.html
Abstract
Celebrations are the way to an understanding of the essential foundation of human societies. Mexico is encompassed by fiestas signifying historical Mexican triumphs, as the national celebration of Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the strength and progression of the Mexican people who conquered French forces in the Battle of the Puebla in 1862. Festivals are necessary for the cohesion of cultures in order to deepen and strengthen communal bonds and allow for social transformation. A striking example of determination, courage, and ingenuity against overwhelming probability, Cinco de Mayo serves as a bond to unify the ideals of Mexicans everywhere.
Above Left:
On Cinco de Mayo, costumes of various colors are worn, but most
people wear the colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red
to celebrate Mexican history.
Above Right: The map shows Mexico's location in relation to the united States, and also the colors of the Mexican flag. The Battle of the Puebla was where the Mexicans defeated
the French army on May 5th, 1862. The celebration of Cinco de Mayo
began on May 5th each year that has followed.
http://www.bailadoresdebronce.org/
http://www.pbs.org/kpbs/theborder/history/timeline/10.html
Introduction
" A celebration is a public performance that marks an important event in the life of a group" (Turner 1982:61). Cinco de Mayo, whose name is Spanish for the fifth of May, is a fiesta signifying the day Mexico defeated the French army in the Battle of the Puebla, is one of many festivities that reveals much of the country's heritage (World Book Online 2004). The defeat over the French strengthened the Mexican community. Following the battle on May 5, 2004 1862, Mexicans celebrate the overthrow of French forces with an event commemorating the victory. Celebrated as a national and political holiday, this fiesta makes the nation seem timeless and eternal, while unifying the Mexican people. Cinco de Mayo is symbolic for all Mexicans who celebrate their rights of freedom and liberty today, as they celebrate the Battle of the Puebla through music, skit, food, and dance. The evolution of Cinco de Mayo and the activities that take place, enable the public to witness and create Mexico's history and culture through celebration.
Context of Mexico
Separated from the United States by the Rio Grande River, Mexico rests just below the Southern portion of the United States, and is situated on top of the Central American countries of Belize and Guatemala (World Factbook 2004). Surrounding bodies of water include the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Known as one of the most urbanized cities in the world, Mexico city serves as the capital. Mexico's geographical features vary drastically. Rolling terrain and mountains coat the greater fraction of the country, thus making climates differentiate. The deserts, which produce warm summers and cool winters, make up the northern climate of Mexico, while the Yucatan Peninsula in Southern Mexico remains warm throughout the year (World Info Zone 2004).
As one of the larger countries of the world, Mexico is formed by six main land regions. The dry Pacific Northwest region of Mexico consists mainly of rolling or mountainous desert. The Plateau of Mexico is the largest of Mexico's land regions holding most of the Mexican people and the largest cities. The Gulf Coastal Plain is normally dry and is covered by forests of low, thorny bushes and trees. The Southern Uplands is formed by steep ridges and deep gorges cut by mountain streams. The Chiapas Highlands have great block-like mountains that rise more than 9,000 feet above sea level. Finally, the Yucatan Peninsula is a low limestone plateau with no rivers. These six land regions differ greatly in altitude, climate and land formation (World Book Online 2004).
In 1521, the Aztec inhabitants and other indigenous groups of Mexico were defeated by Spanish invaders led by Hernando Cortes and remained under Spanish control for the next 300 years. As a Spanish colony, Spaniards became rulers while leaving the Indians deprived of a decent living environment and education. Yet, Spaniards introduced techniques in farming, government, industry, and religion (World Book Online 2004). Mestizos, white and Indian descendants, arrived in Mexico prior to 8000 b.c. and became the dominating group of people in Mexico, and still serve as the largest population in Mexico today (Mex Online 2004).
Origins of Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a date of great significance for the Mexican community. On May 5, 1862, 2,000 Mexican peasants, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, brutally fought and won the Battle of the Puebla against a brigade of 6,000 French soldiers under the command of Napoleon III (Gonzalez 1996). The celebration of Cinco de Mayo began May 5 th in 1863 and has come to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism, and characterizes Benito Juarez’s iron-willed commitment to civilian rule of Mexico (Beezley 2001).
The observance of Cinco de Mayo is a special symbol for all Mexican people who celebrate their rights of freedom and liberty, honoring those who fought and won against greater odds in The Battle of the Puebla . With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves against any foreign intrusion. It instilled national pride, improved the international stature of President Juarez, and discouraged further attack from foreign countries. For Mexicans and Mexican-Americans, Cinco de Mayo celebrates cultural pride and demonstrates respect for the rights of people to enjoy in the benefits of sovereignty (Chronicle 1997). The Battle of the Puebla was the first time that Mexican pueblo could rally around a common cause and proclaim, “Yo soy Mexicano” which in translates in English to “I am Mexican” (Gonzalez 1996).
Performance
Today on the fifth of May, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by native Mexican people everywhere. In Mexico , several towns recreate the Battle of Puebla in a day-long dramatization including acting and speeches. At Peñón, an elaborate folk play takes place that portrays the historic battle. The play begins at 11 o’ clock in the morning with a parade, accompanied by bands and native musicians. General Zaragoza, the leader of the Mexican Army, rides a horse while dressed in a stylish charro suit. An embroidered cloth with “Viva Mexico ” hangs from the back of his hat. A cloth embroidered with “Viva Francia!” hangs from the back of the French leader, Marshal Lorencz’s hat. Soldiers rush the crowd armed like the original freedom fighters with machetes and rifles. The French Zouaves dress in red or blue trousers, a small blue sack coat, white canvas leggings, and a red or blue fez. Women wearing skirts and flowery hats represent the soldaderos who traveled with the army to cook and care for them (Milne 1965: 91).
At the end of the parade, the order to “break ranks” is given and the soldiers eat traditional Mexican food in small groups. For the next hour they play a game trying to steal food, ammunition, and weapons from the enemy. Mariachi bands play while dancers perform native Mexican dances such as the Mexican Hat Dance and the Raspa. Bull fights serve as entertainment for adults, as piñatas are the attraction for the children. Rifles and cannons sound as the mock French and Mexican Army generals meet at nightfall for a sword fight. Following the victory of the Mexican general, the French flag is lowered, and bands playing funeral marches leave the plaza (Milne 1965: 92, 93). Fireworks end the Cinco de Mayo celebration. “After a true fiesta, life is never the same” ( Stanton 1999). Below is a link to a video showing the typical Cinco de Mayo celebration in Puebla, Mexico.
Artifact
AOL video describes, in film, the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Puebla, Mexico.
Interpretation
Prognosis for Cinco de Mayo
The celebration of Cinco de Mayo serves as a footnote to the recognition of Mexico ’s Independence Day. Most of Mexico pays scant attention to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo as America becomes further interested. Although honored today as a national holiday in Mexico , Cinco de Mayo celebrations have decreased and are limited to the state of Puebla and Mexico City as its popularity continually increases in the United States . As Mexicans began to cross the border to the United States , they began to form communities and searched for a celebration that would reflect their history and experience in the United States . Mexicans began to re-embrace their indigenous roots and recognized the struggle of the native peoples in Mexico against the Spanish conquistadors and other European invaders. Thus, the festivities of Cinco de Mayo became the premiere Mexican-American celebration. In the United States , the holiday is a celebration of culture, food, music, beverage and customs unique of Mexico (Mex Online 2004). The issue is becoming so popular across the US border that a U.S. postal service stamp was issued to commemorate the occasion (Menard 2000). Today, Cinco de Mayo celebrations vary from eating Mexican food at a local restaurant and toasting the day with margaritas, to attending and outdoor event or fiesta.
Conclusion
The purpose of the Cinco de Mayo celebration is thus to unify Mexicans under a festival symbolizing pride and self-determination. Anthropologists try to understand human diversity as well as the characteristics cultures share. Celebrations serve as a culmination of values and pride shared by cultures and communities that assist in this anthropological quest. As Cinco de Mayo continues to connect Mexicans everywhere, we must remain aware that the celebration serves as a chance to reflect on the value of freedom and the character of a people who held onto their country against all odds. Take a deeper look into the Cinco de Mayo celebration and immerse yourself in Mexican culture.
Internet References Cited
1) AOL Video
The Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Online Video, http://aolsvc.video.aol.com/main.adp?pid=408&clipContext=226.1000346&guideContext=226&sliderState=open&shareType=1&_aolform=h400.w742.p7.R1','742','400 ', accessed October 18, 2004.
This site was created by AOL network services to serve as a means of educating various topics through film.
2) Anthropology Outreach Office Smithsonian Institution
1998 Studying Community Festivals. Electronic Document, http://www.nmnh.si.edu/anthro/outreach/edfestiv.html , accessed October 19, 2004 .
This site was created by Audrey C. Shalinsky to show readers anthropological views and studies of community celebrations.
3) Chronicle Editorial
1996 Cinco de Mayo: A symbol for right of nations to self-determination. Electronic Document., http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/ editorial/96/05/05/ edit4.html , accessed October 19, 2004 .
This site was created by writers of the Houston Chronicle in order to show a deeper meaning to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
4) Gonzalez, Ignacio
The Significance of Cinco de Mayo. Electronic Document, http://www.azteca.net/aztec/literat/Cinco.html , accessed October 20, 2004.
This site was created by Ignacio Gonzalez as a way to express his feelings of celebrating his culture through Cinco de Mayo.
5) Mex Online
Mexican Holidays: Cinco de Mayo. Electric Document, http://www.mexonline.com/cinco.htm , accessed September 20, 2004.
This site was created by Rolf Metzger and employees of Mexico Online in order to provide information on Mexican climate, culture, history, and its people.
6) The World Factbook
The World Factbook: Mexico . Electronic Document, http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mx.html , accessed September 19, 2004.
This website was created by the Central Intelligence Agency and provides information on the geography, people, government, and economy of Mexico .
7) Web Holidays
Cinco de Mayo. Electronic Document, http://www.web-holidays.com/demayo , accessed October 28, 2004.
This site was created by Holly Ruggiero as a quick reference to research worldwide cultural celebrations.
8) World Book Online
Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration of Mexican Heritage. Electronic Document, http://www2.worldbook.com/wc/popup?path=features/cinco&page=html/cinco.htm&direct=yes , accessed October 20, 2004 .
This site was created by the employees at World Book to serve as a reliable online encyclopedia for most research topics.
9) World Info Zone
1997 Mexican Information Page:1. Electric Document, http://www.worldinfozone.com/country.php?country=Mexico , accessed September 19, 2004 .
This website was created by Teresa Read and provides information on the religion, food, language and environment of Mexico.
Peer-Reviewed References Cited
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1)
Beezley, William H.
2001 Viva Mexico! Viva La Independencia! pp.134-135. Scholarly Resources Inc, Wilmington.
2) Menard, Valerie
2000 Cinco de Mayo. In The Latino Holiday Book. pp. 19-28. Marlowe & Company, Broadway.
3) Milne, Jean
1965 Cinco de Mayo. In Fiesta Time in Latin America. pp.91-93. The Ward Ritchie Press, Los Angeles.
4) Stanton, Edward P.
Fiestas. In Handbook of Spanish Popular Culture. pp.51-79. Greenwood Press, Westport .
5) Turner
Elements of Celebration. Celebration, A World of Art and Ritual. p.61.
Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C. .
6) Turner
1969 The Ritual Process: Structure and Anti-Structure . p.241 Adline Publishing Company, Chicago .