Happy Cinco de Mayo! Find Out What It's About

Here are a few facts to know about May 5 and why it's celebrated in Mexico and the United States.

Posted Sat, May 5, 2012 at 11:14 am PT

Cinco de Mayo marks May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army won the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War. The holiday has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the United States.

Here are a few other facts about Cinco de Mayo:

In Puebla, one of Mexico's 31 states with a capital city of the same name, Cinco de Mayo is known as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla).
While Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico, it is mainly observed in Puebla. In the U.S. it has become a popular holiday to celebrate Mexican culture.
Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals.
May 5 is not, as many people think, Mexico's Independence Day. That holiday takes place on September 16.

Do you have any Cinco de Mayo facts to share with readers? Please post them in the comments section below.

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