Why do Mexican Americans celebrate Cinco De Mayo?

Answer 1

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. more info on http://www.vivacincodemayo.org/history.htm

ANOTHER ANSWEROn the other hand...

The original question was, "Why do AMERICANS celebrate Cinco De mayo?"

As an "American", I don't celebrate that particular event.

Answer 2

Commonly mistaken for the Mexican Independence Day, the "Cinco de Mayo" celebration commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza. The Battle was important because 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated a much better-equipped French army composed of 8,000 men that had not been defeated for almost 50 years.

No longer a local celebration held only at the city of Puebla, the holiday is now widely celebrated among Mexicans, Mexican-Americans and many others. It is a source of great pride pride among Mexicans - defeating the best army in the world at the time, when outnumbered by two to one.

Answer 3

Cinco de Mayo is a commemoration of the victory by Mexican troops in La Batalla de Puebla on May 5, 1869 during the French-Mexican War.

Spanish for "fifth of May," Cinco de Mayo is celebrated for two reasons:

• In Mexico, it commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
• In locations outside of Mexico, those with Mexican heritage celebrate it to remember their culture and their pride in it.

Interestingly Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated much in Mexico, except in the town of Puebla where the battle was won. It is most frequently observed in the United States.

One reason it is celebrated more in the United States is because commercial interests have capitalized on the day, which has helped people to know about it.

Answer 4

Because it would be quite embarrassing for the Statetians that Mexicans celebrate their independence day (15 Sept) while living in the US. They have just chosen the second most important national day. Because it would be quite embarrassing for the Statetians that Mexicans celebrate their independence day (15 Sept) while living in the US. They have just chosen the second most important national day.

Answer 5

Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated in California since the Battle of Puebla was won. From there, it spread to other states. It is celebrated in recognition of the heritage of Americans of Mexican ancestry.

Answer 6

Cinco de Mayo actually originated in what is now the United States, among Mexican communities in what is now the American West (and what was previously part of Mexico). The holiday celebrates the Mexican defeat of French forces who intended to support the Confederates during the American Civil War. The holiday is celebrated in Mexico itself, but is only a full holiday in the states of Puebla and Veracruz (although it is a school holiday nationwide).

To return to the answer, as has been explained there are links between the defeat of the French and the success of the Union in the Civil War (and therefore the reunification of the USA) and this may be one factor to explain why some Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo. However, there are many reasons why Americans may choose to celebrate. Most obviously, Mexican-Americans and Americans of Mexican descent (almost 11% of the population of the United States) may wish to celebrate their Mexican heritage and culture. Likewise, Americans of non-Mexican descent may celebrate Cinco de Mayo because they have friends who are Mexican-Americans, or because they enjoy Mexican Culture. There is also the possibility that people just enjoy partying; just as Americans with no Irish blood participate in St Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ultimately, each individual will have their own reasons, but given the holiday's origins in California it should not be any great surprise that the holiday is celebrated in the United States. It should be noted, however, that most Americans do not participate in Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Answer 7

They celebrate it because they faught in ab battle for their independance and rights to live in America.

Answer 8

Its significant to Americans because they get to see why we celebrate Cinco De Mayo. To hear how the Mexicans fought the French and WON!!!