Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “Fifth of May.” This celebration is held on May 5 every year, honoring the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla.

This battle took place on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, and was so shocking because the French were so powerful and expected to win.

Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico’s Independence day, however, this is celebrated on September 16th.

USA Today reported, “Cinco de Mayo is one of the most misunderstood Mexican holidays.”

Many adults use Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to drink margaritas and many families eat Mexican food on this holiday, but many people don’t even know the true reason for the holiday.

Seniora Laughlin said, “What is interesting about Cinco de Mayo is that it is actually celebrated more here in the United States than it is in Mexico. It started becoming popular in the United States in the 1980s… I think that it is quite commercial (and) that restaurants have figured out that they can make money by having special promotions and parties for cinco de mayo!”

Although Cinco de Mayo is misunderstood and commercialized, the Mexican’s still won against the French army when people believed they had no chance.

So, take that Napoleon.