Cinco de Mayo, meaning "Fifth of May" in Spanish, is a holiday commemorating the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza, a smaller and less equipped Mexican force defeated a much larger French army, marking a symbolic victory of Mexican resistance and self-determination during the French intervention in Mexico
. Though the French ultimately occupied Mexico for several years afterward, the Battle of Puebla became a powerful symbol of Mexican pride and resilience. The holiday is especially celebrated in the city of Puebla with parades, reenactments, and cultural festivities
. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday, most prominently observed in Puebla, and is not a federal public holiday. It is often mistaken outside Mexico for Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16 and commemorates Mexico's independence from Spain in 1810
. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has grown into a widespread celebration of Mexican-American culture, featuring festivals, music, food, and drink. Its popularity in the U.S. increased significantly in the late 20th century, partly due to commercial promotion by beverage companies. The holiday also holds cultural significance for Mexican Americans as a symbol of resistance and identity, linked historically to the Chicano movement
. In summary, Cinco de Mayo honors a historic military victory that symbolizes Mexican unity and resistance against foreign domination, celebrated with cultural pride both in parts of Mexico and extensively in the United States.
