It’s Cinco de Mayo, but in Oaxaca, like most of Mexico, it’s a business as usual kind of day; schools are in session, businesses and banks are open, and deliveries are being made. The cervesas and mezcal may be flowing and guacamole may be served, but no more than usual. Only in Puebla, where the significantly outnumbered Mexican troops defeated the French army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, is it a big deal. However, most every city and village has a street named 5 de mayo and in many, like Oaxaca, a street has been named for Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, the general who commanded the Mexican army at the Battle of Puebla. By the way, he was born in what was the Mexican village of Bahía del Espíritu Santo, now Goliad, Texas, USA.
As the walls of Oaxaca continue to show, it’s the current battles that remain front and center…
As the mother in the stencil above explains, against the odds like her ancestors 153 years ago, “I will fight today because I don’t want to see you die tomorrow.”
Mexican Peso Converter
Seems like celebrations abound more, north of the border.. an excuse for a fiesta, perhaps ?
Archie, according to this article , it’s thanks to Corona!
http://vinepair.com/wine-blog/how-corona-made-cinco-de-mayo-an-american-holiday/
Would never have guessed ! Article is a good read. Wishing you a happy mother’s day today, Shannon.
It’s strange why Cinco de Mayo is downplayed in most of Mexico as its Army defeated what was once considered the greatest power on earth. Interestingly, few know of the other battle where Mexican forces defeated the French, this one in the southeast corner of Oaxaca state. On September 5, 1866, forces in the Isthmus town of Juchitan overcame the “superior” French army. The tiny rag-tag force had very little strength to throw against the French. They won by using their heads. They simply outsmarted their European enemy. Although this battle is little known elsewhere, it is cause for grand celebrations in the Juchitan area with a big parade and wild fiestas (called “velas” in the Isthmus) every cinco de septiembre. Juchitan is a renegade town. It prefers to chart an independent course, often setting itself at odds with lawmakers in Oaxaca City and Mexico D.F. For that reason, the nation never wanted to give glory to Juchitan or call attention to its annual celebration, which is why most of us have never heard of their victory over France.
Bruce Stores
There were several battles during the French Intervention, where the Mexican Army, the Republicans defeated the French in least a dozen battles. These were fought in many states from Chiapas to Michoacán. Unlikely 5 of Mayo is downplayed (just my view), also for the reason mentioned above as there were many heroic victories, Puebla being the most significant. It could be that a mere dozen or so years ago, the previous invasion from North of the Rio Grande, where Mexico lost half of its territory in an unjust war ( Abraham Lincoln then, thought so at least ), would render the sacking of the French in a different light.
A. Braganza
Very interesting. Is this from your book, The Isthmus? I’ve got to get it. Thanks, Bruce!