Cinco de Mayo ("The Fifth of May" in Spanish) is a national holiday in Mexico which is also widely celebrated in the United States. It commemorates the victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza over the French occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16 ("Dieciseis de Septiembre" in Spanish), but actually it is a celebration of the battle.
Historical background
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the legendary Battle of Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862 in which a Mexican force of 4,500 men faced 6,000 men of the ominous and well trained forces of Napoleon III's French Army. The battle, which lasted all of four hours ended in a moral and physical victory for the Mexican Army under the 33 year old General Ignacio Zaragoza.
Mexican and U.S. observances
Understandably, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated vigorously in the state of Puebla, Mexico. There are some observances across Mexico in varying degrees, but none that matches the celebrations in Puebla. For the most part these observances focus on food and drink mixed with music and dancing.
In the United States, much like St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origins, particularly along the border states where there is a large Mexican population. The largest of these celebrations are found in the larger cities such as Los Angeles, California; San Antonio, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Although it is no more an officially recognized holiday than St. Patrick's Day in the United States, many cities display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate students about its historical significance, especially in the Spanish language classes. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration with advertising for products and services with an emphasis on foods, beverages, and music. To balance that, however, many multi-ethnic communities hold special events and celebrations which highlight the Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. A fair example of this would be the ''ballet folk'' and ''mariachi'' demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles near Olvera Street. However, some Mexicans, both in Mexico and in the United States, reject all celebration of Cinco de Mayo, regarding it as essentially a North American commercial contrivance rather than an authentically Mexican event.
Cinco de Mayo 
In the United States, much like St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origins, particularly along the border states where there is a large Mexican population. The largest of these celebrations are found in the larger cities such as Los Angeles, California; San Antonio, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Although it is no more an officially recognized holiday than St. Patrick's Day in the United States, many cities display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate students about its historical significance, especially in the Spanish language classes. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration with advertising for products and services with an emphasis on foods, beverages, and music. To balance that, however, many multi-ethnic communities hold special events and celebrations which highlight the Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. A fair example of this would be the ''ballet folk'' and ''mariachi'' demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles near Olvera Street. However, some Mexicans, both in Mexico and in the United States, reject all celebration of Cinco de Mayo, regarding it as essentially a North American commercial contrivance rather than an authentically Mexican event.
