Why should CrossFitters celebrate Cinco de Mayo?  Well…Lots of reasons, but here are 5...

1.  It celebrates the underdog.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates a significant victory over the French by Mexico at The Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. 

At the time, the French were considered the world’s premier army, and 6,000 of them got their keysters kicked by 2,000 poorly armed Mexicans. 

The French military hadn’t suffered a loss like that in over 50 years. 

In CrossFit, we celebrate those who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds every day, so heck yes!…Mexico, you rule for showing the French what you’re made of.

Side note:  Thinking about this conflict reminded me of this (awesome) video about underdogs.  It’s definitely worth watching if you’re feeling overwhelmed by, or unprepared for any competition.

2.  It Celebrates Persistence...

Mexico actually ended up losing power to the French for a time after this battle.  However, it was short lived.  Persistent effort by Mexican guerilla forces, and the political landscape at the time forced the French out of Mexico.

As CrossFitters, we respect persistence! It just goes to show that endurance matters when it comes to change. 

Whether it’s choosing a healthier lifestyle, getting out of debt, fighting for your marriage, or kicking a more powerful army out of your homeland.  Persistence is key, and we salute tenacity, wherever we see it.

3.  It showed some serious toughness...

Mexico kicked the French to the curb so hard that Europe as a whole finally decided to stop messing with the Americas entirely.  Since the Battle of Puebla, no other European force has had the guts to invade us...Thanks for teaching them a lesson Mexico :)

4.  Their fight was our fight.

Experts say Napoleon III had plans to first invade Mexico, and then to help the Confederacy win the war against the Union in the Civil War. 

Who knows what would have happened if Mexico wouldn't have stood up to the French. 

The United States could have had a longer Civil War.  Part of the U.S.A could have fallen under the control of the French.  Our men could all be carrying weird leather messenger bags, and our women might have stopped shaving their legs...It could have been pandemonium up here!

I'm kidding of course, but we should recognize that Mexico's efforts on the 5th of May in 1862 were VERY important to the United States as well.

5. It Celebrates Guacamole!

Ok, if this sounds disrespectful, and like an inconsequential reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you underestimate how much I love guacamole.  Without Cinco de Mayo, there might have been lower morale, and less resistance to the French, which could have led to the French remaining in power, which could have led to the prevalence of some weird Pâté dish in place of my favorite paleo friendly food in the whole world.

So there you have it...5 reasons Cinco De Mayo is awesome, and should be celebrated by all of us. 

Mexico, thanks for your struggle against the French desire for world domination.  Thank you for being an example of toughness, and perseverance, and thank you for Guacamole.  I'm not kidding...I don't know how I'd eat paleo without it :)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

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P.S.  If you party by buying gear, things are currently pretty festive around here.  Click below to pick out some new stuff!

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