Many people think that Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's Independence Day from Spain although Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.  What Cinco de Mayo commemorates is the victory, in the Battle of Puebla, of the Mexican Army over the French on May 5, 1862.

After its independence, Mexico fought the American-Mexican war and also a civil war, and that left the country in tremendous debt.  In 1861, President Benito Juarez promised England, Spain, and France to repay Mexico's debts after two years.  England and Spain reluctantly agreed to it, but France decided to use the opportunity to invade Mexico and try to establish Maximilian of Austria, a relative of Napoleon III, as the new ruler of Mexico.

As the strong French Army was approaching Mexico City, they encountered the troops of General Zaragoza in Puebla, where they were defeated.  Since then, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the courage and bravery of the Mexicans, who won the battle against all odds. 

At Anacapa School, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo as one of our Friday afternoon activities.  The students, parents, and teachers work together to cook the food:  arroz, frijoles, and carne asada, accompanied by chips, tortillas, and salsa.

After lunch, we enjoy a show that includes music played by students, a dancing demonstration by the Salsa Club students, and songs played by the Santa Barbara-based group Vientos del Sur.