The fifth of May is called “Cinco de Mayo” in Spanish and is a
Mexican national holiday. It is also celebrated throughout
Mexican-American communities in the U.S., perhaps arguably to a
grander and bigger extent. The holiday recognizes the victory of
Mexico over the French at the Battle of Puebla, east of Mexico
City, on May 5, 1862. The Mexican army was sorely outnumbered by
the invading French army, but the Mexican forces somehow
prevailed. That crucial victory marked a huge step for Mexico in
its struggle for independence and served to boost morale during
a time of political and economic unrest. Unfortunately, the
victory was short-lived because the French ruled Mexico
thereafter during the French Intervention period until 1867.
Today, celebrations, parades and fiestas mark the historic date.
Fun facts and trivia Cinco de Mayo facts, fiction and folklore
abound, including the following fun facts and trivia: - Cinco de
Mayo is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is
celebrated on Sept. 16 an