Cinco de Mayo is one of those holidays, which millions of Americans enthusiastically celebrate every year, although the vast majority of these people either know very little to nothing about this Mexican holiday. What is the significance of Cinco de Mayo and why is it that this holiday has become more popular in the United States than in its native country? If you would like to learn a little more about the holiday, you have come to the right place - read on for a brief introduction to the facts on this popular Mexican import.

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As everyone knows, Cinco de Mayo's is Mexican in origin; but there is one popular misconception about this holiday, which we should clear up before we go any further. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day - that's September 16th, in case you were wondering. So what does Cinco de Mayo commemorate if not the country's independence from Spain?

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This Regional Mexican Holiday actually celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. Outnumbered nearly two to one and facing one of the world's best professional armies at the time, the Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza routed the French against seemingly insurmountable odds. While it was an early battle in a war, which would last for the next five years, the victory was an inspirational one, which spurred the Mexican spirit of resistance, eventually leading Mexico to send the French back to Europe in 1867. It is this upset victory, which is celebrated each May 5th in Mexico - in Puebla and in Mexico City, there are annual reenactments of the historic battle.

Good to know, but given that many people in the US are not even aware of the historical background of the holiday, what is the significance of Cinco de Mayo to Americans? There are a few answers to this question. One is that as neighboring nations of approximately the same age (Mexico declared its independence in 1810, just a few decades after the United States), our two countries have essentially grown up together and we have strong historic and cultural ties with our neighbors to the south. As you probably know, much of the American southwest was once part of Mexico and in Texas, California and other southwestern states, Cinco de Mayo has long been celebrated.

Ever since the 1960s, when college students in California began promoting the celebration of Cinco de Mayo as a salute to Latino culture and achievements, the holiday has become ever more popular across the rest of the country. There are now celebrations held in cities in every part of the United States; and for many Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a day for saluting both our neighbors south of the border as well as celebrating America's large and vibrant Latino community.

What is the Significance of Cinco De Mayo?

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