The Cliff Notes of Cinco De Mayo – What You Need to Know About the Holiday

Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day, which is Sept.16.

Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, which is Sept.16.   Cinco de mayo celebrates Mexico’s underdog victory over France at the battle of Puebla in 1862.  Today, the holiday more broadly celebrates Mexican culture.   Over the years it’s become more commercialized.  It’s celebrated more in the states than in Mexico.   The date of the holiday is easy to remember.  Cinco de Mayo translates to the fifth of may, so it’s always on the 5th of may.   It’s celebrated by Mexican Americans with festive dress, parades and, of course, food! typical spreads for the holiday include tacos, guacamole and tequila drinks.