Cinco de Mayo: More Than Margaritas — A Fight for Freedom That Changed U.S. History

On May 5, our Threaded team gathered around a table at El Pollo Alegre for our weekly meeting. But before we could dive into the delicious food, we found ourselves digging into something deeper: history.

It started the day before, when Mayra shared a TikTok in our group chat that explained how Cinco de Mayo wasn’t just a Mexican holiday—it represented a shared history between Mexican Americans and African Americans. The video talked about how the Battle of Puebla influenced the outcome of the American Civil War.

We were intrigued. It was a connection we weren’t aware of. If you’ve been around Threaded for a while, you’ve probably heard us talk about the value of being historically astute. Becoming historically astute is a journey, and over lunch, we took another step. 

Between bites of chips and salsa, we pulled out our phones, searched for articles, and started piecing together a story that many in the U.S.—including us—had never been taught.

Not Mexican Independence Day

Let’s get one thing out of the way: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That’s celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo marks the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. And while it’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, its significance stretches far beyond borders and has powerful implications for American history.

The Battle That Echoed Across a Continent

At the time, France, under Emperor Napoleon III, nephew of the Napoleon Bonaparte, was trying to expand its empire by invading Mexico. The United States was in the middle of its Civil War, and Napoleon III saw an opportunity to gain more power and land while the U.S. was preoccupied. Winning in Mexico would also allow him to influence the American Civil War by supplying the Confederate South with weapons in exchange for cotton.

But the French army never made it to Mexico City. At the city of Puebla, they were unexpectedly stopped by a small but determined Mexican force led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. Against all odds, Mexico won.

Mexican historian Justo Sierra wrote of the battle:

“If Mexico had not defeated the French in Puebla on May 5, 1862, France would have gone to the aid of the Confederacy. The U.S. Civil War and the destiny of the United States and the freedom of its people may have been different.”

Think about that. Had the French succeeded, the Confederacy might have won. The Emancipation Proclamation might never have happened. Slavery might have persisted in the United States far longer.

That’s not just Mexican history. That’s our history.

A Victory for Diversity and Unity

What made this victory even more powerful was who fought for it. The Mexican army at Puebla was made up of people from across the spectrum of Mexican identity—Indigenous peoples, Afro-Mexicans, and mestizos—a multiracial force resisting European colonialism.

It’s a potent image: a diverse group standing together to protect freedom—and in doing so, shifting the future of justice for others.

As Dr. Greg Carr of Howard University put it:

“On #CincoDeMayo remember Battle of Puebla & Mexico’s anti-slavery roots & Black-Brown unity in resistance to settler colonialism.”

This isn’t just a story about one battle—it’s a glimpse into the strength of collaboration across communities. That resonates deeply with us at Threaded, where we believe unity is possible and powerful. Just like David’s faith enabled him to defeat the giant Goliath, our faith empowers us to be effective collaborators and ambassadors of reconciliation. In Christ, the diverse parts of the body can work together in unity, appreciating each member's value and unique purpose. 

Why This Matters Today

History can empower and inspire us, which is why it’s so important to know our history. Understanding history can help us reorient ourselves in the present and propel us into a better future.  In today’s cultural climate, where division is encouraged for political gain, Cinco de Mayo reminds us of a different path. It shows us what’s possible when communities come together.

It reminds us that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere and that even small victories—like Puebla—can ripple outward in world-changing ways.

It also gives us a reason to celebrate. Yes, celebrate with good food and friends, but also rejoice in the resilience of those who came before us, the shared history, and the collaboration that led to freedom.

Let’s Celebrate the Beautiful

So this Cinco de Mayo, let’s honor Mexican heritage—not with caricatures, but with curiosity. Let’s remember how this day connects us across borders and backgrounds. And let’s be inspired to work together, across differences, to create more stories of justice and unity.

Because, as history shows us—especially at Puebla—together, we are mighty.