Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Toro Loco!

While it's a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become an annual celebration in the United States, offering an opportunity to enjoy the rich traditions and culinary delights of Mexican culture.

 

It's important to note that Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16th. In Mexico, May 5th is a day to honor the nation's victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla.

 

What is Cinco de Mayo and why is it celebrated in the United States?
 

Cinco de Mayo holds significance in Mexican history, but it's not celebrated as a national holiday in Mexico. Here's what happened on that day and why it's celebrated in the United States.

 

What's the History? Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, the Mexican army achieved a remarkable victory over French forces in Puebla, located about 70 miles southeast of the capital. Despite being outnumbered and underequipped, Mexico's triumph symbolized the nation's resilience against foreign aggression.

 

Four days later, President Benito Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday. Although France eventually occupied Mexico for three years between 1864 and 1867, the Mexican victory prevented French intervention in the American Civil War, potentially altering the course of history.

 

When Did Celebrations Begin in the US?
 

The earliest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States date back to the 1860s, when Mexican communities in California commemorated the Battle of Puebla. Amidst the Civil War, news of Mexico's unlikely victory inspired Latinos in California, who sought to resist Confederate advances.

 

"For Mexicans in the United States, the Civil War and the French invasion of Mexico were like a war on two fronts. They were concerned that France, siding with the Confederacy, was at the doorstep of the United States," explained David Hayes-Bautista, a professor at UCLA.

 

Approximately a century later, Chicano activists embraced Cinco de Mayo as a symbol of ethnic pride. However, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s, when American beer companies targeted Hispanic consumers, that Cinco de Mayo celebrations gained widespread popularity in the US.

Today, Cinco de Mayo in the United States primarily serves as a celebration of Mexican-American culture.

 

Join us at Toro Loco as we commemorate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican cuisine, refreshing beverages, and lively festivities! Whether you're gathering with friends or seeking to experience the vibrancy of Mexican culture, Toro Loco is the perfect destination to celebrate this historic occasion. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable Cinco de Mayo celebration!