History of Cinco de Mayo | UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture

Summary

Cinco de Mayo, often celebrated in the United States with great enthusiasm, is not as commonly observed in Mexico. This video by UCLA Health explores the historical roots of this celebration in the U.S. and its connection to Latinos living in the American West during the Civil War. It highlights how Cinco de Mayo marked a significant victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 against French forces, which was celebrated by Latinos in California, Nevada, and Oregon as a symbol of support against the Confederate slave states. This history underscores the cultural and political significance of Cinco de Mayo among Latino communities in the U.S., rather than solely being a Mexican national holiday.

Highlights

• Cinco de Mayo is the most significant Latino celebration in the U.S., though not widely observed in Mexico 🎊.
• The celebration started with Latinos in California, Nevada, and Oregon during the American Civil War ⚔️.
• Latino communities used Spanish-language newspapers to discuss Civil War issues, supporting Abraham Lincoln 🇺🇸.
• Victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, was critical for Latinos fighting against Confederate forces 🏆.
• Celebrations included speeches, parades, and gatherings with music, but not with mariachis as they're from a later era 🎺.

Key Takeaways

• Cinco de Mayo is more celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico 🇺🇸🇲🇽.
• The celebration originated with Latinos in the American West during the Civil War 🪖.
• Latinos supported Lincoln against the Confederate states and celebrated the victory at the Battle of Puebla 🎉.
• Mariachi music wasn't part of the original Cinco de Mayo celebrations because it hadn't been invented yet 🎶.
• The holiday symbolizes Latino resilience and support for emancipation and democracy ✊.

Overview

Cinco de Mayo, a day widely celebrated in the United States, often brings to mind images of vibrant parades, festive music, and delicious food. However, its origins are deeply rooted in the Latino communities of California, Nevada, and Oregon during the American Civil War. These early celebrations were not just about enjoying activities but were politically charged events that symbolized the community's stand against slavery and support for freedom and democracy.

The historical backdrop of Cinco de Mayo is quite fascinating. It marks the triumph at the Battle of Puebla when Mexican forces successfully stopped the advance of French troops. This battle coincidentally had a significant impact in the United States. During the 1860s, Latinos in the U.S. were acutely aware of the Civil War's stakes, using Spanish-language newspapers to keep informed and mobilize support. This victory was seen as a beacon of hope for those opposing the Confederate states.

As the news of the victory reached Latino communities, spontaneous celebrations erupted. These gatherings were marked by parades, speeches, and music—though not the mariachi music we associate with Mexican celebrations today, as it hadn't yet emerged. Instead, the focus was on solidarity and resilience, reinforcing cultural identity and support for the Union's fight against slavery. This celebratory tradition continues today, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity among Latinos in the U.S.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction and Historical Background The chapter delves into the history and cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo, highlighting its popularity in the United States compared to Mexico. It raises the question of why this holiday, which commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, is celebrated more enthusiastically in the U.S. than in Mexico. The chapter likely addresses reasons for this phenomenon, possibly exploring cultural assimilation, identity, or commercialization.
• 00:30 - 01:30: Latino Involvement in the American Civil War The chapter titled 'Latino Involvement in the American Civil War' explores the participation and contributions of Latinos during the American Civil War. It highlights the creation of the public celebration of Cinco de Mayo by Latinos in the American West, specifically in states like California, Nevada, and Oregon, during the Civil War. The transcript also mentions the existence of many Spanish language newspapers being published in California at that time, implying an active Latino community engaged in the socio-political environment of the era.
• 01:30 - 02:30: French Intervention in Mexico The chapter titled 'French Intervention in Mexico' provides a glimpse into the cultural and social life of the Latino community in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles and San Francisco, during the period of French intervention in Mexico. It draws upon historical Spanish-language newspapers to highlight various aspects of Latino daily life, including culinary experiences with Mexican food, musical and theatrical performances, as well as important life events such as births, weddings, and deaths. The narrative offers an auditory connection to the past, allowing contemporary readers to hear the voices of Latino individuals from over a century ago and understand their experiences and contributions to society during that era.
• 02:30 - 03:30: Battle of Puebla and Cinco de Mayo Celebration The chapter discusses the Battle of Puebla and its significance to the Cinco de Mayo celebration. It highlights the involvement of Latinos in the American Civil War, emphasizing their support for Abraham Lincoln and the Union against the Confederate states. Latinos opposed the pro-slavery policies of the Confederacy and some, like Major Jose Ramon Pico, took active roles in organizing troops to fight in the war, showcasing their commitment to the fight against slavery and their desire to see a united nation free of forced labor.
• 03:30 - 04:30: Celebratory Traditions in the American West The chapter discusses the involvement of Spanish-speaking cavalry in the United States during the Civil War and the initial successes of the slave states in early battles. It highlights the role of Spanish-language newspapers in informing Latino readers about these events. The chapter also notes that Emperor Napoleon III of France took advantage of President Lincoln's focus on the Civil War to advance French forces towards Mexico City.
• 04:30 - 05:30: Invitation to Learn More The chapter "Invitation to Learn More" discusses an attempt to overthrow the constitutional republic led by President Benito Juarez in Mexico. The plan was to install Maximilian of Austria as the Emperor of Mexico, allowing him to ally with slave states rebelling against the United States. However, the French troops aiming to assist this plan were halted at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 (Cinco de Mayo) and were unable to reach Mexico City. This prevented the establishment of a pro-slavery state south of the U.S. border in areas like California, Nevada, and Oregon. The chapter highlights how Latinos were informed of these events.

History of Cinco de Mayo | UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 [Music] Cinco de Mayo is the most popular Latino celebration in the United States every year millions of people celebrated in venues ranging from small grammar school dances to large commercial fiestas yet in Mexico the Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated as it is in the US so the question is why is the Cinco de Mayo so widely celebrated in the US when it is not in Mexico the answer is that the
• 00:30 - 01:00 public celebration of Cinco de Mayo was created by Latinos living in the American West California Nevada and Oregon during the dark days of the American Civil War wait a minute Latinos in the American Civil War what is that all about during the American Civil War many Spanish language newspapers were published in California
• 01:00 - 01:30 in Los Angeles Elam Eagle Dead Pueblo and for example in San Francisco alekhya veld Pacific we can read the Spanish language newspapers today and we can hear Latino voices speaking to us from a hundred and fifty years ago at times the voices tell us about Latino daily life restaurants serving Mexican food musicians to provide Tunes Musical and theatrical performances births of the next generation weddings and deaths we
• 01:30 - 02:00 also hear the voices of Latinos concerned about policy issues that were tearing the United States apart like slavery and race when the American Civil War erupted Latinos supported Abraham Lincoln and the United States against the Confederate slave states who wanted to create a new nation built upon forced labor held in Chains Latinos took up arms against the slave states major Jose Ramon pico organized for troops of
• 02:00 - 02:30 spanish-speaking United States cavalry but from the very first armed encounter of the Civil War the slave states wrote a streak of luck winning battle after battle while the spanish-language newspaper and formed Latino readers of defeat after defeat for the United States Army and then things got worse taking advantage of Lincoln's preoccupation with a Civil War Napoleon the third emperor of the French sent his troops marching towards Mexico City to
• 02:30 - 03:00 overthrow the constitutional republic headed by President Benito Juarez and install maximilien of Austria as the Emperor of Mexico who had then be free to cooperate with the slave states in the rebellion against the United States but the French troops were stopped dead at the Battle of Puebla fought on Cinco DeMayo of 1862 and could not reach Mexico City to create a slave state friend south of the border in California Nevada and Oregon Latinos read the news
• 03:00 - 03:30 of the unexpected victory of Cinco DeMayo and immediately began celebrating this first major victory with the Latino music and dances of the American Civil War [Music] and you will notice they did not use mariachi music for the simple reason that mariachis had not yet been invented and they did not have dancing Adelitas as those were to be the symbols of the
• 03:30 - 04:00 20th century mexican revolution every single day mile during the Civil War Latinos in the American West would gather in great crowds to hear speeches [Music] they would march in huge parades today
• 04:00 - 04:30 [Music] speakers would remind Latinos that they were struggling against both the slave states and their potential ally the Emperor of the French Napoleon the third after the parades and speeches Latinos gathered in meeting halls and in private houses to renew their energies to stop
• 04:30 - 05:00 the slave states and the French in Mexico using the music and steps they were familiar with [Music] [Music] we at UCLA invite you to learn more about the American Civil War origins of the Cinco de Mayo in California Nevada and Oregon we invite you to read about
• 05:00 - 05:30 the Declaration of Independence in Spanish Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves in the rebelling States the shocking assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the final surrender of the slave states without their slaves [Music] yes [Music]
• 05:30 - 06:00 [Music] Oh [Music]