Happy Cinco de Mayo, Carlsbad

Today is Cinco de Mayo. Growing up in New Mexico, it was always a fun day to celebrate our culture and diversity. But as I have grown, I have wanted to learn more about the history of the day and where it originated. It is common belief that it is the Mexican Independence Day, but this is incorrect. The Mexican War of Independence was fought from Sept,. 16, 1810, until Sept. 27, 1821.

If it is not independence, then what is it? Cinco de Mayo commemorates a Mexican victory over French forces. The French were trying to turn Mexico into a monarchy in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Mexico's conflict with France started in 1861 when it declared a temporary moratorium on foreign debts. This led Europe's three empires— Spain, England and France — to "intervene" and collect. The English and Spanish pulled out by 1862, but the French, with dreams of empire stoked by their emperor Napoleon III, remained to establish a monarchy and "curb U.S. power in North America," according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

French forces wouldn't be pushed out of Mexico entirely until 1867, but the early battle became "a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination", according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Did you know the library subscribes to Encyclopedia Britannica? We do, and if you want to learn more about Cinco de Mayo or other historical events, you can with your library card access.

The holiday celebrates a Mexican military victory that is not widely celebrated in Mexico. The state of Puebla has parades and speeches to mark the occasion, but it is "not much-noticed" anywhere else, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. The holiday is actually much more popular in the United States. In the mid-20th century, it started as a way for Mexican immigrants to celebrate their heritage. Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, like many believe. Mexican Independence Day is on Sept. 16, and it commemorates the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence against Spain that started in 1810.

Today in New Mexico, we celebrate both Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day. September celebrations are often bigger and more prominent. Celebrating history and our diverse culture that makes New Mexico the incredible state it is, is so important. All year round, you can stop by the library to learn more about our great state, our culture, and our history. We have a full New Mexico collection that contains both fiction and nonfiction items. Learn about Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County wars, or discover cookbooks featuring New Mexican cuisine. We have so many great books showcasing our state. Some of my favorites have been written by Donna Blake Birchell. She has written many nonfiction titles that cover local and state history. Donna is a local historian and past library employee. There is something so special about a library staff member writing all of these important local history books.

So, if you want to learn more about Carlsbad or New Mexico I recommend you check out one or more of her books.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Happy Cinco de Mayo, Carlsbad