While the average American might commemorate the day with a round of margaritas, some on the political left decry it as an example of cultural appropriation. However, Cinco de Mayo is more than just a festive occasion; it symbolizes a nationalist triumph in an increasingly globalized world.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day. Instead, it celebrates a significant moment in Mexico's history when it asserted its national sovereignty. The holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where Mexico, against all odds, triumphed over the Second French Empire.
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The man at the helm during this critical period was Benito Juarez, who became President of Mexico in 1861. Juarez's journey to the presidency was far from typical. Born into poverty in rural Oaxaca and orphaned at a young age, Juarez worked as a servant before putting himself through law school. His political career saw him rise from the Governor of Oaxaca to the President of Mexico's Supreme Court, and eventually, to the presidency. However, the country he inherited was on the brink of disaster.
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Decades of failed reforms and political instability had led Mexico to financial ruin by the time Juarez took office. The country was heavily indebted to England, Spain, and France, and Juarez was forced to default on these debts. The European powers responded by sending their naval forces to Mexico to collect their dues.
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While England and Spain negotiated a settlement, France, under Napoleon III, saw an opportunity to establish an empire in the Americas. By the end of 1861, France had deployed 6,000 troops to the port city of Veracruz, forcing Juarez and his army to retreat north. The French then began their march towards Mexico City, but first, they had to capture Puebla.
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Puebla, a small city, was strategically important for the French to establish supply lines to the capital. It also held symbolic significance for Mexico, having resisted previous invasion attempts during the Mexican-American war. Despite being outnumbered and ill-equipped, Juarez rallied 2,000 men to defend the city as the French advanced on May 5.
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The ensuing battle was nothing short of miraculous. Juarez's forces withstood the superior French artillery throughout the day. By the evening, the Mexican army had lost only about 85 troops, while the French had suffered five times that number and were forced to retreat. This unexpected victory boosted the morale of the Mexican army, which sustained them until the French and their puppet government were expelled five years later.
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It's easy to see why this story resonates with Americans, who have their own tale of triumphing over European rulers. However, Cinco de Mayo is not as prominent in Mexico's national consciousness.
While Juarez is remembered as a "preeminent symbol of Mexican nationalism and resistance to foreign intervention," Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the Puebla region. The day is marked with military parades, battle re-enactments, and cultural festivities, but it is not a widely celebrated federal holiday. In fact, Mexicans do not even get the day off work.
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In contrast, Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States, albeit with less national character. The holiday first gained traction in the 1960s, when leftist Chicano activists advocated for a more multicultural America. It has since become mainstream, with Americans across the country celebrating Mexican culture with margarita-filled brunches. While Americans might not get the day off, they are likely to take the following morning off.
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For some on the left, Cinco de Mayo is an American holiday because it has been commercialized and appropriated. They are partially correct, but not for the reasons they believe. The symbolism of national resistance is as integral to American history as it is to Mexico's. Our own revolution established a framework for popular national sovereignty that defines the modern world. If we are to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we should reflect on the lessons it offers. Both Mexicans and Americans could benefit from a reminder of the importance of their national sovereignty.
Today, both Mexico and the United States are effectively post-national countries. Our shared border has been porous for decades, with little to physically separate our two nations. This situation suits Mexico, as their citizens send remittances back home, boosting their economy, and Central Americans pass through without straining Mexico's social safety net. Our leaders are content with this arrangement, as it assuages their guilt about xenophobia, keeps wages low, and pleases corporations. Meanwhile, drug cartels are increasingly supplanting the Mexican government, causing havoc on both sides of the border.
Leaders in both countries indulge in the fantasy of a borderless world because it benefits them. However, nations cannot survive unless they value what makes them unique. Failure to do so leaves us no different than if we had accepted French and British rule. We might not be under a foreign ruler, but popular sovereignty evaporates all the same.
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