Mexico had suffered financial trouble and while England and Spain agreed to accept Mexico's debt payment at a later time, China... I mean, France decided it would be best to come and collect. Below is the fort, located here in Puebla, where the battle of Cinco De Mayo took place.
It seems rather short to stand against the French which was said to have the best army in the world at the time, but national pride sprang up and Mexico won. Below are pictures of another fort half a mile away.
Under the statue they have buried the general from the battle
With such a great monument and the amount of recognition that Americas seem to give the battle it was a surprise to find out that in Mexico, Cinco De Mayo is only celebrated in Puebla. There has been a fair all week, concerts, today a movie, a bull fight, and a two hour parade.The parade celebrating the battle, of course, began with several military groups and vehicles. Here is only a sample, my favorite are the ones dressed in traditional clothing.
Even some of the floats had a military flare.
Eagles are a national symbol here as well.
All public schools marched through. The creativity in their uniforms displays the richness of culture here.
Even the professor got to march in the stifling heat in suits.
Every school had a way of displaying their school spirit.
This included flags
The snake/bird is a god of rain and was followed by the Aztecs and Mayas. This god also plays a big part in the symbol found on the Mexican flag which is a story in and of it self.
Every school also had a float. It was interesting to see what parts of the city and culture the schools decided to display.
Then the rescue teams game came in.
Here are the jaws of life.
Some times the people in boats splashed water at us.
Then the horses were bringing up the rear.
I took 250 pictures... Your welcome for not showing you all of them. :)
