You may think Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to honor Mexico’s Independence Day, but it is a common misconception. However, the Cinco de Mayo festival most certainly commemorates a triumph.
Cinco de Mayo translates to “Five of May,” which is observed yearly to honor the bravery of the Mexican army who defeated the French forces under Napoleon III on May 5, 1862. From the above translation, it is clear that the festival is celebrated every year on May 5 in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is an energetic and joyful event renowned mainly in Pueblo. Though the festival is significant, it is not celebrated by the entire nation.
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A brief description of the Cinco de Mayo festival
Cinco de Mayo is very popular in countries other than Mexico, like the US. However, if you want to learn more about Mexican culture and enjoy the authentic Cinco de Mayo festival, you must visit Puebla on May 5. Although other regions in Mexico also observe the day, Puebla is where it is most widely observed.
In Puebla, the Cinco de Mayo festival is kicked off by a combat re-enactment where all the participants get dressed as Mexican and French troops and play out the fight. The actual celebration started when the Mexicans defeated the French, and this celebration included a municipal procession with more than 20,000 entertainers, residents, and massive, outstanding floats.
No joyful Mexican celebration is complete without Mariachi musicians, so you will find several mariachi bands with flamenco dancers in elaborate costumes during the celebration. Moreover, there is also a military parade conducted by the school children. Of course, there is the delight of Mexican cuisine. The celebration will start with a feast of mouthwatering street tacos.
Next, you will enjoy a beautiful and mesmerizing fireworks show while every local will hang piñatas filled with candy. You will find children breaking the piñatas for the candies and then rushing to collect them. Generally, the Cinco de Mayo festival begins around ten in the morning and lasts for several hours till the evening.
You can enjoy the International Mole festival in Puebla as a contemporary addition to the festival. Mole is a sauce or a marinade with a complicated concoction of dry fruits, chilies, spices, chocolate, and tomatillos, and it comes in various flavors.
Cinco de Mayo dress
The usual Cinco de Mayo clothing is the traditional garb. Men usually dress up in “charros” style or like Mexican cowboys, which consist of black pants, white shirts, blazers with silver buttons, and boots.
Women go for vibrant-colored long skirts and long-sleeved t-shirts with white, green and red trims to represent the traditional colors of Mexico. Also, the sombrero, or the wide-brimmed straw hat, is an important part of the dresses.
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo is one of Mexico’s most significant celebrations, and Puebla is the best destination if you want to experience the authenticity of the festival. Make sure you have the Mexico car insurance for Inland Empire before you travel.