Cinco de Mayo Celebration

[Drivindeath]

Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 1999
National Mexican Media​

History:
Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) is an annual celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, the victory of a smaller, poorly equipped Mexican force against the larger and better-armed French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans. Zaragoza died months after the battle from an illness, and a larger French force ultimately defeated the Mexican army at the Second Battle of Puebla and occupied Mexico City.

Cinco de Mayo is marked with fierce pride despite the fact that, a year later, the French invaders defeated the Mexican army, forced the government to flee and occupied all of southern Mexico.

Event:
A massive turn out this year despite all the turmoil all across Mexico. Mexico City alone saw over 3,000,000 citizens and visitors joining in the celebration. The festival kicked off around 5:00 A.M., starting with fire works over major cities, including, Mexico City, Tijuana, Juárez, Guadalajara, and much more. Total turn out across the country was estimated at 15,000,000 citizens, visitors, and tourist. Despite tensions and Cartel activity, it seemed like everyone set aside their differences and participated and celebrated. Music and food booths were featured from 10:30 A.M. to 3 P.M. in the Mexico City Arena with performances by local Mariachi bands and a local dance groups. A Parade was held that stretched from Pachuca to Mexico City, a 91 km long walk. The Parade started at 6:00 A.M. and ended at midnight. Millions of attended the Parade.

As the Festivities came to a close, the streets saw fewer numbers. Despite a day of celebration and a day of peace in Mexico, violence sprung back up the next day. Notable key figures from the Cali Cartel where found dead inside of a stash house in Juárez. Mexican Authorities stated they found the bodies shot multiple times and mutilated. Names have not been released at this time. Funerals are scheduled for next month, pending autopsy. Despite the grim day after Cinco de Mayo, Mexico remained strong and displayed a great deal of National Pride.