when cinco de mayo

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated annually on May 5. It commemorates Mexico's victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This battle marked an important symbolic victory for Mexican troops led by General Ignacio Zaragoza against a better-equipped French army. Although the French eventually occupied Mexico City, the victory at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination. In Mexico, the celebration is mostly ceremonial with military parades and battle reenactments, especially in the city of Puebla where the battle took place. The festivities there include a month-long festival with parades, mariachi bands, dancing, and food events. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become more popular as a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, often involving music, food, and festivities. It is important to note that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16 and marks Mexico's independence from Spain.