what is the great significance of Cinco De Mayo?
467326
The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be!  And Cinco de Mayo is not an American holiday, but it should be.  Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810.  And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.\n\nSo, why Cinco de Mayo?  And why should Americans savor this day as well?  Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.\n\nThe French had landed in Mexico (along with Spanish and English troops) five months earlier on the pretext of collecting Mexican debts from the newly elected government of democratic President (and Indian) Benito Juarez.  The English and Spanish quickly made deals and left.  The French, however, had different ideas.\n\nUnder Emperor Napoleon III, who detested the United States, the French came to stay.  They brought a Hapsburg prince with them to rule the new Mexican empire.  His name was Maximilian; his wife, Carolota.  Napoleon's French Army had not been defeated in 50 years, and it invaded Mexico with the finest modern equipment and with a newly reconstituted Foreign Legion.  The French were not afraid of anyone, especially since the United States was embroiled in its own Civil War.\n\nThe French Army left the port of Vera Cruz to attack Mexico City to the west, as the French assumed that the Mexicans would give up should their capital fall to the enemy -- as European countries traditionally did.\n\nUnder the command of Texas-born General Zaragosa, (and the cavalry under the command of Colonel Porfirio Diaz, later to be Mexico's president and dictator), the Mexicans awaited.  Brightly dressed French Dragoons led the enemy columns.  The Mexican Army was less stylish.\n\nGeneral Zaragosa ordered Colonel Diaz to take his cavalry, the best in the world, out to the French flanks.  In response, the French did a most stupid thing; they sent their cavalry off to chase Diaz and his men, who proceeded to butcher them.  The remaining French infantrymen charged the Mexican defenders through sloppy mud from a thunderstorm and through hundreds of head of stampeding cattle stirred up by Indians armed only with machetes.\n\nWhen the battle was over, many French were killed or wounded and their cavalry was being chased by Diaz' superb horsemen miles away.  The Mexicans had won a great victory that kept Napoleon III from supplying the confederate rebels for another year, allowing the United States to build the greatest army the world had ever seen.  This grand army smashed the Confederates at Gettysburg just 14 months after the battle of Puebla, essentially ending the Civil War.\n\nUnion forces were then rushed to the Texas/Mexican border under General Phil Sheridan, who made sure that the Mexicans got all the weapons and ammunition they needed to expel the French.  American soldiers were discharged with their uniforms and rifles if they promised to join the Mexican Army to fight the French.  The American Legion of Honor marched in the Victory Parade in Mexico, City.\n\nIt might be a historical stretch to credit the survival of the United States to those brave 4,000 Mexicans who faced an army twice as large in 1862.  But who knows?\n\nIn gratitude, thousands of Mexicans crossed the border after Pearl Harbor to join the U.S. Armed Forces.  As recently as the Persian Gulf War, Mexicans flooded American consulates with phone calls, trying to join up and fight another war for America.\n\nMexicans, you see, never forget who their friends are, and neither do Americans.  That's why Cinco de Mayo is such a party -- A party that celebrates freedom and liberty.  There are two ideals which Mexicans and Americans have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect, ever since the 5th of May, 1862.  VIVA! el CINCO DE MAYO!!
2229
Asuming that you mean December 12th... I'd say that the most important celebration is in Mexico: la Virgen de Guadalupe.
771434
The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos, Día de los Difuntos or Día de Muertos in Spanish) is an ancient Aztec celebration in memory of deceased ancestors, celebrated on November 1 (All Saints' Day) and November 2 (All Souls' Day).\n\nThe holiday is especially popular in Mexico, where it is a national holiday, and is celebrated in the Philippines, in Mexican-American communities in the United States, and to a lesser extent in other Latin American countries. It is a public holiday in Brazil, where many Brazilians celebrate it by visiting cemeteries and churches, bringing flowers, lighting candles and praying.\n\nThough the subject matter may be considered morbid from the perspective of some other cultures, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead joyfully, and though it occurs at the same time as Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, the traditional mood is much brighter with emphasis on celebrating and honoring the lives of the deceased, and celebrating the continuation of life; the belief is not that death is the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life\nThe origins of the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of the area, such as the Aztec, Maya, P'urhépecha, Nahua, and Totonac. Rituals celebrating the lives of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations for at least the last 3000 years. In the pre-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth.\n\nThe festival that became the modern Day of the Dead fell in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, about the beginning of August, and was celebrated for an entire month. The festivities were dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as the "Lady of the Dead", corresponding to the modern Catrina.
447972
Some EDUCATIONAL Reading For Citizens\n\nhttp://www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd185.htm\n\nI have friends who live in the Phoenix area that speak fluent Spanish. Over the weekend before the big marches on April 10, 2006, Spanish speaking radio was sending this message: "Hide what's in your heart today. We know in your heart your allegiance is to Mexico, but today use your head. Americans were upset about Mexican flags and our show of solidarity for reconquista. Now we must wear white shirts and wave the American flags being handed out. It will be difficult because we know in your heart your love is for Mexico, but hide it today."
500862
Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated by Mexican-Americans and their descendants in the United States. Many cities with significant Mexican and Chicano populations throughout the US schedule special events on the 5th of May. In Los Angeles, most notably, revelers fill the streets in front of City Hall for speeches and performances by Mexican entertainers on this day.\n\nAlthough the celebration of this holiday has historically been limited to Latin-American communities, particularly in the southwest, it has become increasingly popular across the country and among all ethnic groups in the last 10 years. In recent years, it has been celebrated widely and in a similar style as St. Patrick’s Day — namely a celebration and identification with Mexicans, their culture, food, and music by Anglos and other unrelated ethnic groups. However, many Americans have only a cursory understanding of the significance of this day; it is often mistakenly assumed to be Mexico’s independence day, and in practice, it is usually celebrated on a superficial level.\n\nHope this helps.
547957
To commemorate the missed delivery date of the first huge shipment of Hellman's mayonnaise to Mexico, which did not happen as per the contract because of the loss of the Titanic, on which the shipment was carried. Naturally, all right-thinking people rejoice in this loss of the mayo (not the loss of life) but south of the border it is a reminder of great sadness. Nonetheless, the Sinko da Mayo is remembered throughout all civilized countries.
551399
Mexico was trying to seak independence from spain. But Spain won't allow it. At one time Spain comes to Mexico to check on their followers and they revolt.  They had it to show Spain that they will fight for their freedom.  Mexico was very outnumbered by the Spainiards but they still won the war, on the 5th of May. This is why they celebrate Cinco De Mayo.
615815
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. \nIn fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, \nwhich was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. \n\nBut as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost. The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. \n\nTheir anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as \nSinko de Mayo.
628071
In naming a national holiday, You got it!  To write about the fifth day of May, it would be cinco de Mayo.
789530
Being as we live in a "white" dominant country (yeah right, especially in the Southwest) we celebrate great "White"  Americans every month.  I also don't think a Black History Month, or Hispanic Heritage Month is Politically correct either.  If this country is to be fair and equal, then put a stop to it.  Let's celebrate those specific days, like Cinco de Mayo, MLK Day, Chinese New Year, etc. equally!\n\nLove to you all!
401056
Almost all of the customs here in the US (other than Native American) come from somewhere else. Most of our major holidays are based on traditions from other countries; we have st. patrick's day, valentines day, christmas, easter, cinco de mayo, and many others that were all brought here from elsewhere. We are a malting pot, and all the settlers brought their customs and traditions with them. Different parts of the country may place emphasis on different cultural traditions depending on the general base of their population or the population that settled that area.
566197
Since your all more or less brainless (or just hate digging up the facts).\n\nyesterday was a day without an immigrant, not an illegal.\n\nCinco (not Cinque, thats French) de Mayo is the 1862 Battle of Puebla where the Mexicans said Goodbye to the French Army under the power of Napolean. It has nothing to do with raping women and celebrating a country that failed them, it has to do with winning an epic battle against what was the strongest army in the world.\n\nOh, and if Mexico had not beaten the French, the USA would have been split down the middle forming two countries to avoid the massive expanse of power that was happening, and the rest of the world forces feared for the other powers. A bit like today really.\n\nSo for once, you can say Thanks to the Mexicans, because they saved your arse.\n\nSo please stop being so dumb. Please. Your all embarrasing yourselves. And for your info, its not a day off either.\n\nAnd i find it totally ironic that after telling the Mexicans to bugger off home, you now want to celebrate theyre holiday. How stupid can you be?
502509
Cinco de Mayo in the States!  In Hong Kong, it was a Bank holiday and I got the link for you!  Well, I guess that you already knew by now!
658602
Mexican Independence Day\n\nMexican Independence Day is the culmination of the Fiesta Patrias, a\nfestival celebrating Mexico's independence from Spain. The festival\nreaches a dramatic peak on September 15 at 11:00 p.m. when the President\nappears on the balcony of the National Palace to recite the Grito de\nDolores. This "cry of Dolores" recreates the speech given by Don Miguel\nHidalgo y Costillo on September 15,1810.\n\nHidalgo called for Mexican self-rule and a revolt against Spain. He was\ncaptured and executed by Spanish troops in 1811 and Mexico did not win\nindependence from Spain until 1821.\n\nIndependence Day is celebrated on September 16 with fireworks, parades,\nand ringing of cathedral bells.\n\n&&&&\n\nRemembering Independance\n\n16 de Septiembre\n\nThe 16th of September of 1810, marks the beginning of Mexico's struggle\nfor independance from Spain. Hence, this day is similar in many ways to\nthe American "4th of July," which commemorates American Independance\nfrom Britain.\n\n"El Grito de Dolores," (The cry in the village named Dolores-Sorrows-.)\n"Long live Independance! Long live America! Death to bad Government!"\n\nThis proclamation for Independance was made on this day by Miguel\nHidalgo, from the Balcony of the Parish of Nuestra Senora de Los\nDolores. (Our Lady of Sorrows.)\n\nA heroic Parish Priest, who is widely regarded as the Father of Mexican\nIndependance and a symbol of patriotism, Miguel Hidalgo De Costilla was\nresponsible for leading the first large revolutionary forces against the\nSpaniards. Tragically, however, shortly thereafter, he was captured and\nexecuted by a firing squad.\n\nFather Hidalgo's martyrdom, however, galvanized the Mexican people to\nstruggle and fight for independance. After Father Hidalgo's demise, Jose\nMaria Morelos, a small village priest, and a farseeing political and\nmilitary genius, rallied the revolutionary forces until his capture and\nexecution on December 22, 1815.\n\nHistorians sum up his service to the cause of Mexican independance by\nstating that "with him ended the heroic days of the Mexican Revolution."\n\nAs he read of the guerilla leader's brilliant campaigns, the French\nEmperor, Napoleon Bonaparte said," with three such men as Jose Morelos,\nI could conquer the world."\n\nVicente Guerrero, a liberal rebel and the inheritor of the\nHidalgo/Morelos tradition, continued the revolutionary struggle against\nthe Spaniards until 1824, when the Spanish were overthrown and Guadalupe\nVictoria, a liberal became the first elected president of the Republic\nof Mexico.\n\nAt the time, the Mexican Empire encompased all of Central America and\nthe Southwestern United States including California, New Mexico,\nArizona, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and parts of what now is the\nState of Kansas. There is even today great controversy and debate as to\nthe questionable, and perhaps unethical political means, the United\nStates used to acquire this vast territory from Mexico. A few Spanish\nland grants still survive today , and Hispanic land grant heirs still\nargue the United States should be forced to honor land rights they were\npromised in the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the\nMexican War.\n\nTo commemorate these revolutionary heroes, Mexico named three states\nafter them. Hidalgo, is a state just North of Mexico City, whereas\nGuerrero and Morelos are two adjacent states in Mexico's West coast.\nIn addition, many hospitals, schools and colleges, state and federal\nparks, universities and government buildings have been named to honor\nthese three Mexican Revolutionary Heroes - Hidalgo, Morelos, and\nGuerrero.\n\n&&&&\n\nHidalgo’s Call for Mexican\n                      Independence\n\n\n            ¡Mexicanos, Viva México!\n\n\n\n            Shortly before dawn on September 16, 1810,\n            Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla made a monumentous\n            decision
1038546
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.\n\nSee website in sources......
414961
During the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862), invading French troops were repulsed there by a much smaller Mexican force under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza; thereafter the city was renamed Puebla de Zaragoza, and May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) became a Mexican national holiday. The Serdan brothers of Puebla played a major role in initiating the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
968440
It is a holiday that began with the first English settlers in America. Their voyage was long and hard, and after they arrived, they nearly starved in the first year. But the second year they had an excellent harvest, and they were thus blessed with a relative bounty of food to eat. They decided to have a party to celebrate 1) their good fortune for a good harvest, 2) the now fairly obvious fact that the colony would be successful, and 3) their faith in God, not necessarily in that order. They invited the local Indians to the celebration and they all had a very good time. Thereafter they decided to repeat the party every year, to mostly celebrate their good harvest. In today's world, it is a family gathering time that is usually free from the commercialism that has grown up around Christmas, Easter, the Fourth of July, etc. The traditional dish is roast turkey, because it is a large bird that is native to America and was thought to be the main dish at the original celebration. Other traditional foods for Thanksgiving include pumpkin pie and perhaps something made out of corn (maize), something made from sweet potatoes, and something made out of cranberries since these were the newfound foods that are native to the American continent that the early settlers were able to obtain in quantity, and they were largely new and different from what they were used to eating in the British Isles. If you are a new arrival in America, please have a happy Thanksgiving! Perhaps you can also celebrate your own safe travel across the Atlantic to the new world!