Puebla - A brief overview of "Cinco de Mayo" festival

Puebla has been on my bucket list longer than anywhere else in Mexico. Although I'm only stopping for a day this place holds huge cultural significance. If you've ever heard of a celebration called "Cinco (5) de Mayo", it originated in Puebla.

In 1862 Mexico was in debt to the Second French Empire and, upon neglecting repayments, the French brought thousands of men over to fight in what came to be known as the Battle of Puebla. Mexico had but 4000 men, fighting with sticks and rocks, compared to France's sophisticated army of 8000. Mexico had the brains, though, and poisoned the local river. All the French horses and many of the French army died upon drinking and bathing in this water and Mexico won the Battle of Puebla on 5th May.

Ultimately, France returned and won the war, but the battle has gone down in history nevertheless. Nowadays, 5 de Mayo is only really celebrated in Puebla, and in the US. In the US it's an extraordinarily extravagant celebration, often confused as Mexican Independence Day (which is actually 16th September). Much like St Patrick's Day, the US has made this festival its own and anyone who has Mexican roots of any kind living in the US join in the festivities - which these days are more about showing your pride to be Mexican rather than remembering the Battle of Puebla.