Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Here are five facts about the festive holiday.

1. Not a celebration of independence
Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexico’s Independence (which is actually September 16th), but rather a celebration of Mexico’s victory in the battle at Puebla on May 5th, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican war. It was an unlikely win for the Mexican militia who were heavily outnumbered by the French. The victory became a source of pride for the country and is the reason we continue to celebrate today.

2. Mexico won the battle, but not the war
Although the Mexican Army won the battle at Puebla on May 5th, 1862 the French went on to win the war, occupying the region for five years.

3. Napolean III had multiple motives on May 5th
For the leader of France, Napolean III, the battle at Puebla was an attempt at not only spreading his empire but at conquering a key Mexican access point to the U.S., where he intended to lend support to the confederate army during the Civil War in an effort to keep the U.S. divided and consequently less powerful.

4. Abraham Lincoln sympathized with the Mexican cause but…
Abraham Lincoln sympathized with the Mexican cause during the French occupation but was unable to lend direct support to the nation due to the U.S. Civil War, which was taking place at the same time. When the Civil War finally ended, the U.S. forced France to withdraw its troops from Mexico and their empire collapsed.

5. Not a federal holiday in Mexico
Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico and is a relatively minor holiday outside of Puebla, Veracruz and the United States. In Puebla and Veracruz, however, Cinco de Mayo is a very important state holiday celebrated with parades, festivals and reenactments.

Check out some of these fun events in the area:

~ Street Beats Acoustic Jam Session May 4th 5pm to 7pm. Head downtown every other Friday evening for a new acoustic jam session in the heart of Downtown Goldsboro.

~ First Friday May 4th 5pm to 8pm. Looking for something fun and relaxing to start off your weekend? Stop-by for refreshments, see latest exhibits and meet local artist. For more information contact 919-736-3300.

~ May 4th and 5th Praxis Film Festival is a small town venue for independent film makers to present their work in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Single and Day passes available. 919-583-8432 www.goldsboroparamount.com.

~ May 5th 1pm to 6pm 4th Annual Three Eagles Beer Festival. Craft brew fans and festival lovers come out! 1pm to 5pm Downtown Goldsboro. Enjoy beverages from over 40 of your favorite NC breweries, live music, vendors and more! www.threeeaglesbeer.com

~ Getting to know you? the Music of Rodgers Hammerstein May 5th at 7pm at the Paramount Theater. Tickets $10-$15. 919-583-8432

~ May 4th Mother/Son Dance will be held from 6pm to 8pm at the GOldsboro Event Center for mothers and their sons ages 4-12. Tickets $10 per person. goldsboroparksandrec.com/register.

~ Online shopping Masics work shop will be held at Steele Memorial Library in Mount Olive from 9:30pm to 10:30am. Free. Information 919-299-8105

~ May 6th Sunday in the Park Cinco De Mayo event sponsored by GOldsboro Parks and Recreation and the arts Council of Wayne County. 2 to 5 pm at Herman Park. Free. For more information 919-739-7480