Nombre: Justin Higgins

I.

Pre Investigation
1. What is Cinco de mayo?
i. It is the fifth of May.
2. What does it celebrate?
i. It celebrates an important battle when a Mexican city held off invaders.
3. Who celebrates Cinco de mayo?
i. The Mexican town and the USA
4. How is Cinco de mayo celebrated?
i. It is celebrated with parties with food and music. (I am not sure)
5. List everything else you know about this holiday (prior to doing your research).
i. Some of the instruments used include maracas. It is not widely celebrated
throughout Mexico, just in the town in which the battle occurred. It is used
widely throughout the U.S. for sales.

II.

Research
a) History Hunters
1.
Benito Juarez- one of Mexicos greates leaders. He helped to
institute a series of liberal reforms that were embodied into the new
constitution of Mexico in 1857. He did not allow the French to take over
Mexico.
Porfirio Diaz- one of Mexicos worst dictators. He was a soldier in the
Battle of Puebla to stop the French.
Ignacio Zaragoza- General of Mexican army in the Battle of Puebla. His
troops defeated the French army who was much larger and stronger than
the Mexican army.
Napoleon III- the leader of France when France invaded Mexico and
imposed Maximilian as its new emperor.
Maximilian- Made the emperor of Mexico after France invaded. Was
against the views of the party that helped him rise to power so he lost he
position as the leader of Mexico and was executed.
Juarez was the leader of Mexico. Diaz was a soldier in the battle of

2.

Puebla. Zaragoza was the General in the battle of Puebla. Napoleon III
was the leader of France when France invaded Mexico. Maximilian was
made the leader of Mexico when France invaded.
3.
Many Americans think it is the celebration of the independence of
Mexico.

4.

Mexico owed Spain, Britain and France money. Spain and Britain
agreed to wait longer but France wanted their money immediately, so they
invaded Mexico.
The French force of 6,500 were defeated by the Mexican force of

5.

4,500 at the town of Puebla, stopping the invasion of Mexico.

6.
It lasted six years from 1862-1867.
7.
In the end, the French withdrew from Mexico and President Juarez
returned to power.
b) Festive Foods
1.
Mole- a rich sauce make with a combination of chocolate, chilies,
and spices. Often served over chicken.
Chipotle- a smoked jalapeno chili
Chilaquilas- Tortillas stir friend with onions, spices and maybe chicken,
topped with cheese and served with a sort of gravy.
Enchiladas- tortillas coated in a tomato and chili sauce, stuffed with
vegetables, chicken or port, then folded and baked.
Chalupas, tamales, chiles renellos
Tortillas can be made of flour or maize. It can be served alongside

2.
3.

a meal as bread or rolled and baked for enchiladas, tacos, or quesadillas.

It says to have something in Mexico that you are not familiar with.

4.

It also says to try regional specialties.

5.
Tortillas are found in almost every meal.
6.
Mexicans have breakfast between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, they
have lunch between 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM, and they have dinner between
8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
7.
We eat foods like tacos, beans, quesadillas, and enchiladas.
c) Modern Music and Moves
1.
Many talk about political and popular issues of the time.
2.
It is the sum of a cultural revolution expressed through a group of
musicians, dressed in popular clothing which encompasses the essence of
Mexico and its people.
Guitarron, Vihuela Mexicana, Guitarra de Golpe, Harp, Guitar,

3.

Violin, Trumpet, and Voice are used.

4.

The son from Jalisco is called the son jacilenese. The first Mariachi
Mass was the concept from a Canadian priest and is still celebrated today.

5.

Tejano music has a modern sound and developed along the TexasMexican Border.

d) Fascinating Facts
1.

This celebrates Mexicos independence, their heritage, and their

community.

2.

France wanted to be paid the money that Mexico owed them.

3.

This was only a victory for the town of Puebla, not for the whole
country of Mexico.

4.

There were 8,000 total (6,000 were French soldiers).

5.

This was important because a small town was able to defeat a large
army.

e) Typical Traditions
1.
You will see colorful floats and many dancers in elaborate
costumes, along with music.
2.
Cinco de Mayo is also celebrated with festivities such as concerts,
food, street festivals, and traditional music.
Cinco de Mayo costumes are very colorful, flowy, and elaborate.
Cinco de Mayo is also widely celebrated in the United States,

3.
4.

especially close to the border because many immigrants from Mexico have
come to the United States and still want to celebrate this holiday.
5.

Two Decorations:
a. Luminarias- punched tin or clay candle holders that give the party
a bit of a glow.
b. Mexican Flag- helps guests remember the true meaning of Cinco
de Mayo.

Article: History Hunters

Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of
Puebla. The French invaded Mexico because Mexico was in debt to France and could not pay it
back. The French were led by Napoleon III and the President of Mexico was Benito Juarez.
When the French invaded, Juarez ordered General Ignacio Zaragoza to lead a group of 4,500
Mexican soldiers and people from Puebla to fight back the French force of 6,500. The Mexican
force successfully defeated the larger, better trained, and better equipped French force. The
French force then left Mexico and returned later to invade successfully. The French took over
Mexico and Napoleon III placed Maximilian has the leader of Mexico. Maximilian was later
taken from power and executed when Benito Juarez became the president of Mexico again.