Hola,
Otra vez es viernes. And it’s also almost May 5th once again. You remember the significance of Cinco de Mayo, right? It was the day in 1862 when a small, armed Mexican battalion faced off against the larger and stronger, invading French forces under the command of Napoleon III. The steadfast determination of the Mexican forces led them to an unexpected victory that day. The French would ultimately take control of the nation for several years. However, the victory in Puebla, on May 5, 1862 would be held up as a shining example of Mexican pride in country and liberty. You can read my more in depth post on the real story behind Cinco de Mayo by clicking here.
Although the celebrations nowadays are actually more common in the United States as a way to honour Mexican culture, the people of Puebla still hold the day dear. There are also many songs (particularly in the ranchera and mariachi genres) which commemorate the battle. I’m sharing three with you today. Two of them are children’s songs and probably a good way to teach Spanish-speaking children the true significance of Cinco de Mayo. The third song is a ranchera version of Viva México by Pedro Vargas.
Take a listen to these songs for Cinco de Mayo…
Canción de la Batalla de Puebla
Letras
El 5 de mayo México vencía después de unas batallas al ejercito invasor contra los franceses lucharon valor y los mexicanos no tuvieron temor. En el estado de Puebla México ganó el 5 de mayo de 1862.
Ignacio Zaragoza, fue quien enseño a indios zacapoaxtlas a luchar por México fueron comandados por Miguel Negrete con palos y piedras lucharon muy Valientes.
En el estado de Puebla México Ganó el cinco de mayo de 1862.
Canción del 5 de Mayo Batalla de Puebla
Letras
Un puñado de valientes se arrojaron con valor. En aquel 5 de mayo al ejército invasor. Los franceses no pensaban lo que se iban a encontrar, indios con piedras y palos los venían a enfrentar.
Zaragoza comandaba las fuerzas de mi nación mientras que a los extranjeros los enviaba Napoleón. En puebla fue la batalla la historia se escribió con la sangre de sus hombres que lucharon con valor. (Se repite toda la canción)
¡Viva México! by Pedro Vargas
This song was written by ranchera singer Pedro Galindo Galarza. There have been countless versions of this favourite. It’s rousing chorus of ¡Viva México! ¡Viva América! is almost a rallying cry.
Letras
Do you have any Cinco de Mayo celebrations planned? Try singing along with at least one of these songs for Cinco de Mayo to show of your understanding of the festivity and your Spanish too!
Do you want to learn more about Cinco de Mayo; or share the traditions of this festive occasion with younger learners? Check out my Cinco de Mayo Workbook. It includes a culture reading, colouring page, word puzzles and a Spanish song fill-in-the-blank activity. Get your copy here!
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This is great. I will bring this up just to listen to the music and learn more about Heritage. Thank you for helping be grow in my understanding of your beautiful Culture.
For some reason, completely unrelated, before I read your post and saw the one animated-like photo, I started singing La Cucaracha… I think it’s my allergies. Wrong theme entirely. Great share. Feliz Cinco de Mayo… even though that doesn’t work either.
Hahaha. Just keep singing your Spanglish songs 😉