Cinco De Mayo History
More celebrated in the U.S. than in most parts of Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo or 5th of May is the celebration of the Mexican victory over the French Army in 1862. The battle took place in Puebla, Mexico and this is in fact the only part of Mexico that still celebrates Cinco de Mayo today with vigor.
In short, a rag-tag group of Mexican soldiers exhausted, outnumbered and poorly supplied were able to fend off the French army from capturing Puebla de Los Angeles. This was an amazing victory for the local Mexican army as well as a major point of pride for the residents of Puebla.
The U.S. has since adapted the holiday as practically its own. Although for many there is little connection with the reason for the holiday it does give rise to local parades and fiestas.
So grab your molcajete, stock up on fajita fixin's and join in on the fun. If you would like to read more about the history this is a good source:
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