Cinco de Mayo
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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 Zaragosa over the French occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
See main story: Battle of Puebla
It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th ("Dieciseis de septiembre" in Spanish), but actually it is a celebration of the battle.
"Cinco de Mayo" is celebrated vigorously in the state of Puebla, Mexico. There are some observations 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.
United States
In the United States Cinco de Mayo is observed by many Americans regardless of ethnic origins, particularly along the southern border states where there is a large hispanic population. 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, advertising products and services for mexicans 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-hispanic culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. A fair example of this would be the ballet folklórico and mariachi demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles near Olvera Street. However, some Hispanics, 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.
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