Cinco de Mayo celebrations

Tri City Voice, OH - 8 hours ago
The Mexicans won that battle, but the French army won the war, and in
1864 a European emperor was put on the Mexican throne; but only
reigned for three years before he was killed. Even during this time,
Mexicans celebrated Cinco de Mayo.

Though the battle at Puebla was militarily insignificant, to the
people it marked a great triumph against incredible odds. Puebla's
name was changed to Puebla de Zaragoza, after the general who led the
victorious Mexican forces. The unlikely win united the people of
Mexico and gave them hope for a free Mexico.

Interestingly enough, it is not only Mexicans who celebrate Cinco de
Mayo. If the Mexican army had been defeated on May 5, the French might
have acquired additional land. The course of history might have
followed a different path and United States territory divided
differently. Life may have been very different for Americans and
Mexicans alike. It is for this reason that, along with the Spanish,
many diverse ethnicities celebrate Cinco de Mayo,

Every year, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with food and festivals, drink
and dancing. Mexican flags appear everywhere, and red, white and green
decorations are evident everywhere you turn. Festivities in years past
have included carnivals and authentically-dressed performers dancing
to patriotic songs. Mariachi bands play Mexican tunes, and children
dress up in traditional costumes.


http://www.tricityvoice.com/articlefiledisplay.php?issue=2008-04-30&file=story1.txt