Cinco de Mayo in Puebla, One of Mexico’s Most Historic Cities [2]
While often overlooked as a top travel destination for tourists visiting Mexico, Puebla is considered one of the countries hidden gems. A colorful city packed with rich traditions and history, stunning architecture, fine cuisines and a culture that is all its own.
Now, with Cinco de Mayo just days away, there’s no better time to become acquainted with the city – as Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, during which an underdog Mexican force took down a large French army in 1862. May 5 grew into a symbol of triumph over foreign oppression, and the city of Puebla each year honors the event with a parade and battle re-enactment.
As citizens ramps up to celebrate this year’s 150th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo in Puebla [3], the city is more than ever polishing its top draws and attractions, and a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle highlighted the top reasons to visit Puebla.
Leading the list is the rich cuisine the city has to offer. Puebla’s “distinctive blend of pre-Hispanic and European cooking techniques is Mexico’s proudest cuisine,” the article proclaims. From its comida típica (typical foods) such as chiles en nogada and chicken mole poblano, to the variety of options served at the Festival Internacional del Mole [4] – the city offers a host of culinary options that are bound to appeal to any traveler.
After you’ve feasted on the rich culinary traditions of the city, most travelers will enjoy soaking in the endless amounts of history that defines Puebla. In addition to Cinco de Mayo, the colonial city is home to a multitude of significant events to Mexico’s history. Puebla was used as a buffer between rival kingdoms, was a stopover for pre-Hispanic trade, and was part of Cortés’ campaign against the Aztecs. One aspect of the city’s history that is a major draw in and of itself is the stunning architecture, which includes more than 5,000 colonial buildings scattered throughout the city.
Puebla’s public spaces – such as the Plaza de la Constitucion – also add to its charm. The Plaza de la Constitucion was once the location of public hangings and bullfights, and is now considered the city’s cultural and political center.
Finally, it is the city’s broad display of art and museums that are considered one of its top attractions. In the late 17th and 18th century Puebla was known for its Indian pottery, and the city to this day is dotted with colorful tiles in different hues. The many museums of Puebla should also not be overlooked – from religious and colonial art, to the architecture of many of the museums themselves – the city offers no shortage of fine museums. The Amparo Museum [5] (Sugar Candy House) and The Casa de los Muñecos [6] (House of Dolls) are considered two of the best, and both house a display that captures much of the city’s life and culture.
From the delicious cuisine, to the deep history and traditions brought to life around Cinco de Mayo, to the architecture and cultural diversity of the city, Puebla offers no shortage of experiences for travelers and locals alike, and Cinco de Mayo is at the heart of Puebla’s culture.