Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is not Mexico's Independence Day - that falls on Sept. 16.
Rather, the holiday commemorates the Mexican victory over Napoleon and the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
The French army invaded Mexico to claim territory for France and to collect debts from previous wars. As the French marched through Mexico, President Ju†rez commanded General Ignacio Zaragoza to block the advance of the French army at the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe by the city of Puebla.
On May 5, 1862, rifle shots rang out as the French army attacked the forts. By the time the day was over, one fort was in ruins and more than 1,000 French troops were dead.
While the Mexicans had won the battle, they had not won the war. Cinco de Mayo was established as a symbol of Mexico's courage against a terrifying army.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, mostly celebrated in the state of Puebla. Though there is recognition of the holiday throughout Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with different levels of enthusiasm in different parts of the country.
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Cinco de Mayo is becoming more popular in the United States, especially along the U.S.-Mexico border and in places with high populations of people of Mexican heritage. In these places, the holiday is commemorated by celebrations of Mexican culture, food, music, beverages and customs.
Several cities in the United States hold parades and concerts during the week leading up to May 5. Many believe that as a result, Cinco de Mayo is becoming a bigger holiday north of the border than south.
Sources: www.mexonline.com, www.vivacincodemayo.org, www.nacnet.org
