Hear from international Albertus student, Lucia Gutierrez Gomez ’23, from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico on the history of Cinco de Mayo and what it means to her. Lucia plans to major in Healthcare Management and is a part of the Women’s Swimming and Diving team.
May 5th, or Cinco de Mayo, commemorates the day of the Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexican army defeated the French army. The French, Spanish and English armies came to Mexico in order to collect debt. Spain and England arrived with their warships at Veracruz, but only France continued with the invasion. The Mexican government was forced to repel the invaders, who after several battles fought in Puebla in 1862. The French troops were very well equipped and much larger than the Mexican army. Despite the fact that the Mexican army was under-armed, poorly fed, and poorly trained, with much courage and pride, the battle was won by the Mexican Army.
The Battle of Puebla is a good example of when you have a fighting spirit, courage, and intelligence to be able to emerge triumphant, no matter how difficult it is. So remembering this date is a clear example of our culture as Mexicans. I invite you to celebrate this May 5, even if you are not Mexican. Many times the perception of Mexican people is not close to our reality. I am proud to be Mexican, for our cultural wealth, the desire to get ahead, our entrepreneurship and our historical heritage. I am proud of the strength of our ancestors who offered us a wonderful place to live and to enjoy. So, let’s celebrate this date as it deserves. Happy May 5th!