Cinco de Mayo holiday gifts supplies and resources at farmers market online

Also known as "5th of May", Cinco de Mayo is observed in Mexico, the United States and other locations around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

Battle of Puebla

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle won by Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín against French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

The battle at Puebla delayed the French invasion of Mexico City, which occurred a year later when the French occupied Mexico and placed Maximilian I on the throne of Mexico. The French forces were eventually defeated and expelled from Mexico in 1867.

A Celebration of Mexican Culture

While not an official holiday in either the U.S, or Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is observed in many cities with large Mexican populations of Mexican ancestry as a celebration of Mexican culture. Celebrations tend to draw both from traditional Mexican symbols, such as the Virgin de Guadalupe, ballet folklórico, and mariachi demonstrations.

Misconception

A common misconception of Cinco de Mayo is that it is a celebration of Mexico's independence. The country's Independence Day is actually celebrated on September 16.

15% Hispanic

The Hispanic population of the United States increased 1.4 million to reach 45.5 million on July 1, 2007, or 15.1 percent of the estimated total U.S. population of 301.6 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Small Change.