Dear AFGE Activist,
WFP and AFGE HISCO would like to wish all AFGE members a Happy Cinco de Mayo! This year, we wanted to take a moment to share the history behind this beloved holiday.
Although Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day, it is a day that made history for the Mexican government. Mexico earned its independence from the Spain in 1810. Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican Army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The Battle of Puebla began when France wanted to claim the Mexican Territory. There were approximately 6,000 French troops and about 2,000 Mexicans of mixed ancestry who gathered in the city of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The battle lasted from daybreak to early evening. The French lost about 500 soldiers while fewer than 100 Mexicans were lost. This was a symbolic victory for the Mexican government.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated across the world and in different ways. In the United States, some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston areas. Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a colorful parade that includes bands, military tanks, and Mexican dancers. The parade is televised and can be seen nationwide. Following the parade, the Mexican president attends a historical reenactment of the famous battle where the victory battle took place.
Today, in the United States, the history and patriotism of this day is a bit lost in translation. Although we've seen the commercialization of this Mexican holiday, this our time remember and recognize the importance of this historic event.
Have a happy and healthy Cinco de Mayo.
In Solidarity,
AFGE HISCO Executive Board Leadership
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