Cinco de Mayo in Canada:
A Delicious Celebration of Culture and Community 🇲🇽🇨🇦
On Cinco de Mayo Mexicans commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army defeated the Second French Empire army on May 5, 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. In Mexico.
Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet attacked Veracruz, landing a large French force and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat. Moving on from Veracruz towards Mexico City, the French army encountered heavy resistance from the Mexicans close to Puebla, at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. The French army of 6,500–8,000 attacked the poorly equipped Mexican army of 4,000. Despite being poorly equipped and outnumbered, the Mexican troops, supported by indigenous volunteers, managed to repel three French attacks on the Fort of Guadalupe, forcing a retreat.
Significance
This unexpected victory became a powerful symbol of Mexican sovereignty, resilience, and patriotism, especially at a time when the country was recovering from the Reform War (1858–1861). That is why the Battle of Puebla remains a moment of great pride, demonstrating that determination, unity, and strategy can overcome even the most powerful enemies, including internal strife.
Origin of Celebration in North America
Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16 and is the most important National holiday in Mexico.
Across North America (including here in Canada) Cinco de Mayo has grown into a lively celebration of Mexican culture, food, and heritage.
The observance of Cinco de Mayo in North America began in California in 1863, as a response to the Mexican resistance against French rule. Upon hearing the news that Mexico had defeated the French army, a group of Mexican miners were so overjoyed that they spontaneously fired rifle shots, lit fireworks, sang patriotic songs, and gave impromptu speeches.
Since 1863, Mexican workers in the United States have continued to celebrate the date. In the 1940s, during the rise of the Chicano Movement, the holiday began to spread beyond California, and by the 1950s, it had reached other parts of the country.
In Canada, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in cities with strong multicultural scenes through events, music, and especially food. Tacos, guacamole, and margaritas fill menus, and Mexican culture is embraced in community events and workplaces alike. More than a reason to enjoy great food, Cinco de Mayo honours the enduring values of freedom, self-determination, and cultural pride, values that resonate far beyond Mexico’s borders. It’s a day when many Canadians explore the richness of Mexican cuisine, like tacos, ceviche, guacamole and churros. With the growing appreciation for global food culture, Mexican-inspired catering has become a hit for Cinco de Mayo office lunches, parties, and community gatherings.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Toronto:
Skip the Line, Grab Your Crew, and Feast on Authentic Flavours!
