What Is Cinco De Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is more than just another excuse to party.

The holiday, which is celebrated more abroad than actually in Mexico, commemorates the Battle of Puebla which took place on May 5, 1862.

The underdog victory for Mexico pushed French forces out of the state of Puebla against seemingly insurmountable odds. Next year the 150th anniversary of the battle will be celebrated.

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That holiday, which is more widely honored in Mexico, is actually celebrated on September 16.

So how did the day become so popular in the U.S.?

Aside from marketing and other commercial reasons for furthering the holiday, many view the day as a way to further the cultural significance of the holiday, according to MTV. However, it's key to acknowledge that liqour companies and Mexican restaurants have had a lot to do with bolstering the holiday, using it as an excuse to go a little crazy.

In any case, take the day to sit back, relax, and crack open a Corona (or Modelo) and honor the underdog victory.

Comments

[Yvetter]

05:13 PM on 05/06/2011

The way I understand it is that if it had not been for the Mexicans fighting the French, the US would have been fighting the french during a time of civil war that was already going on. California has been home to many Mexicans that came with the Mexican armies. The southwest states as well. They have established their own identity here in the states long before settlers made it to the west, and used this date to celebrate the culture/mixed culture. Mexican culture can bee seen prominently throughout the SW and California. It is actually a blend of two cultures here. Why not celebrate it? I'm from San Diego and I love the culture here. And the Mexican food.

[fenderbender1]

05:03 PM on 05/06/2011

I work for the City and we call the day after Cinco De Mayo----Stink-o De Mayo because of the mess left behind by all the parties!

[Bmori]

03:23 PM on 05/06/2011

This one always puzzled me on how much more this is celebrated here than in Mexico.
It is a Holiday in Mexico but Nov 20th (Mexican Revolution), Sept 16th (Independence) had a lot more fanfare.

[Carbon Forteetoo]

10:50 AM on 05/06/2011

I thought Hellman's started the holiday. I've been doing this all wrong. Adding mayonnaise to your margarita just makes a mess.

[NIC10]

10:11 AM on 05/06/2011

MTV???? You know we get our news from Jon Stewart on the comedy channel ...

[Cookie Monsta]

10:00 AM on 05/06/2011

Better reason, It's my wedding anniversary. VIVA!

[bdaved]

01:49 AM on 05/06/2011

According to MTV. Oh my.

[Thumbody]

09:53 PM on 05/05/2011

I think he may be the long lost cousin of William and Charles Mayo who started the Mayo clinic.

[LisaCACO]

07:56 PM on 05/05/2011

omg you should have heard the brain trusts chatting in the post office today. woman and man waiting in line here in CO, chatting, both thought that today was "victory over US day." wtf? I had to explain the day- the ignorance was just painful.

[TitaniumAvatar]

04:28 PM on 05/05/2011

I always thought it was the 5th of May.

[deminmo]

03:50 PM on 05/05/2011

Going to have a margarita and relax!

[Casandra Camacho]

03:15 PM on 05/05/2011

And i'll take a Sol or Modelo Negro.
Cervesa FTW!

[Casandra Camacho]

03:14 PM on 05/05/2011

My (Hispanic) husband was born on Mexican independence day (9/16), and his grandmother never let him forget it!

[Darryl Forston]

12:28 PM on 05/05/2011

MTV........ The place I get all my news from. ( Insert sarcasm here )

[NewmanKitten]

12:16 PM on 05/05/2011

Modelo.