Nombre: Dominique Smaldino

I.

Pre Investigation
1. What is Cinco de mayo?
It is a day that is celebrated in Spanish speaking countries on May 5th.
2. What does it celebrate?
It celebrates the Mexican armys victory over French forces.
3. Who celebrates Cinco de mayo?
Mostly, the country of Mexico celebrates it because it is for the victory of their country.
4. How is Cinco de mayo celebrated?
The Mexicans have traditions of having fiestas and parties all over the countries.
5. List everything else you know about this holiday (prior to doing your research).
I know that this holiday was celebrated in Mexico and other countries and that it was
celebrated on May 5th every year.

II.

Research
a) History Hunters
2.
All of these people played many important roles.
Napolean IIIs army was making its way through Mexico and he
was Napolean Bonapartes nephew. The French Army of Emperor
Napoleon III was thought to be the premier army in the world. It
had not suffered defeat in 50 years and had enjoyed recent
victories throughout Europe and Asia. Napoleans armies were in
this hemisphere to collect payments on the foreign debt of
Mexico, payments suspended by Mexican President Benito
Juarez because the Mexican treasury was not bankrupt. Juarez
promised to restart payments in two years. Eventually, all of the
other countries came to an agreement with Juarez and left, but
Napolean stayed and he landed 4500 troops and set off for
Mexico City.
On the morning of May 5, 1862, General Lorenz led a
combined force of French and sympathetic Mexican troops

toward Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of their destination of

Mexico City. He thought that they would be treated with open
arms. He was greeted by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza
under orders from President Juarez to defend the city with a
much smaller force of 2,000 troops, along with Puebla citizens
who brought their own farm tools as weapons. Maximillian was a
relative of Napolean and when Mexico finally stopped making
loan payments, they made him the ruler of Mexico. General
Porfiro Diaz, who later became president of Mexico, took his
cavalry out to engage the French horsemen and eliminate them.
3. Many people think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexicos
Independence Day, but that is actually celebrated on September
12th.
4. The U.S. and Mexico were worried about what would happen if
Napoleans army conquered Mexico so the U.S. and Mexico
wanted to make sure that it did not happen.
5. The French and Mexican troops were combined and were sent
towards Puebla, Mexico. When they arrived there were troops
there protecting the city. When it was over, the French withdrew
and the battle of Puebla became a celebration for the Mexicans.
6. They started to try to gain independence in 1810 and the
struggle for independence continued for about 10 years. Finally,
in 1821, the Mexican government was finally independent and
the Battle of Puebla was in 1862, and that is when the Mexicans
won over the French.
7. The end result was on May 5, 1862, the European Army was
defeated in the city of Puebla.
b) Festive Foods
1.
Mole Sauce is a rich sauce that is made with chocolate,
chilies, and many other spices. It is either red or green
depending on the ingredients used. The sauce is usually served
over chicken, but turkey is more traditional. Chipotle is a smoked
jalapeno chili. Chilaquiles are tortillas stir fried with onions,
spices, and possibly chicken, topped with cheese and served
with some sort of gravy. Enchiladas are tortillas that are coated
in a tomato and chili sauce, stuffed with vegetables, chicken or
pork and then folded and baked. The enchiladas are usually
pretty mild. They are also usually topped with sour cream.
2.
There are some appetizers that are served at Cinco de
Mayo. Guacamole en Molcajete with Tomatillos includes
tomatillos, garlic, avocados, onions, and cilantro. Tomatillo salsa
is salsa with onions, garlic, lime, serrano chilies, and cilantro.
Gorditas are little cakes made from masa that have been either

baked or fried. Theyre served with many toppings, including

cheese.
3.
A tortilla is made of flour or maize. They are often served
alongside a meal, like bread would be. They are also used for
enchiladas, tacos, or quesadillas.
4.
Mexico sometimes suffer when they travel abroad, if you
stay in Mexico for more than a few weeks you may experience
the same suffering when you get home. When you feel better,
try some of the regional specialties.
5.
Tortillas, and they are usually served the same way as
bread is served for us.
6.
Mexicans often have just coffee and sweet rolls first thing
in the morning and have a substantial meal around 11 A.M.
7.
Sometimes, bacon or ham and eggs are often available.
There are also some safe options like quesadillas, enchiladas,
and beans and rice.
c) Modern Music and Moves
1.
Some topics were used to narrate the political and
popular issues of the tome as well as celebrate great deeds and
laud heroic feats. Themes have changed overtime, now they
reflect the Mexican experience north of the border especially the
lives of migrant workers, the immigrant experience and stories
of those involved in the drug trade.
2.
Mariachi is the sum of agricultural revolution expressed
through a group of musicians, dressed in popular clothing.
3.
There could be 6-8 violins, 2 trumpets, and a guitar. There
is a high-pitched guitar called the vihuela. There is also a deepvoiced guitar called the guitar which acts as a bass. They also
have a Mexican-folk harp.
4.
One modern day Mariachi group is Banda. Banda bands
are big-band, brass ensembles with heavy emphasis on the
percussion. Banda bands are large, usually consisting of
somewhere between 10-20 members. One other mariachi
groups was San Pedro Tlaquepaque and it was one of the most
popular groups. They played in the state of Jalisco. Since they
played for a fee they were forced to add new elements to their
music.
5.
Tejano music is properly the music that evolved among
the Mexican population in South and Central Texas. Tejano music
has a more modern sound, adding musical influences from
cumbia, rock and blues. Tejano music has a more modern and
funky sound.
d) Fascinating Facts
1.
In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration
of Mexican culture and heritage. Also, Chicano activists have
raised awareness of the holiday.
2.
Benito Juarez was forced to default on his debts to
European governments. So, France decided to use the

opportunity to storm Veracruz and drive the president and his

government into retreat.
3.
It is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where
Mexican triumph occurred, although other parts of the country
also take part in the celebration.
4.
6,000 French troops set out to attack Puebla de Los
Angeles. Juarez rounded up a force of 2,000 loyal men. The
French lost 500 soldiers and fewer than 100 Mexicans had been
killed in the clash.
5.
It represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican
government and bolstered the resistance movement.
6.
Chicano activists identified with the victory of indigenous
Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.
e) Typical Traditions
1.
Cinco de Mayo parties have people dressed in things like
charro, sombreros, serapes, and ponchos. Also, they have
Mexican guitars and luminarias which are punched tin or clay
candleholders. Lastly, many people have Mexican flags.
2.
Commercial interests in the U.S. and Mexico have also
had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services
focused on Mexican food, beverages, and festivities with music
playing a visible role. Several cities also have concerts.
3.
A traditional charro costume which includes a fancy
sombrero. Serapes are somewhat like ponchos that incorporate
bright colors.
4.
Parts of the U.S. have a high population of people with a
Mexican heritage.
5.
You could use a skinny Mexican serape as a table runner.
Also, you can get paper plates and cups with Cinco de Mayo
designs printed on them.
Fascinating Facts: Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexicans army victory over France at the
Battle of Puebla. It isnt as big in Mexico as it is in the U.S. Cinco de Mayo traditions
include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and
towns across Mexico and the United States. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is usually only
celebrated in Mexico in the state of Puebla. Traditions include military parades,
recreations of the Battle of Puebla and other festive events. For many Mexicans,
May 5th is just like any other holiday because it is not a federal holiday, so offices,

banks and stores remain open. Some of the largest festivals in the United States are
held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. Also, many people think that Cinco de
Mayo is Mexicos Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September
16th.