While many people might think that cinco de mayo is celebrated in honor of Mexico's independence, this is actually not true. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated because of the victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Cinco de Mayo is actually celebrated more in the United States than it is in Mexico. In Mexico the true holiday celebrated is September 16th, which is Mexican Independence Day. While over here people enjoy traditional food, music, dancing, and beverages belonging to Mexico, many people don't know the true story of the holiday. On May 5th 1862, General Zaragoza lead a small militia of 4,500 men that were not well equipped against the French army of 6,500 soldiers. The militia with a stroke of luck was able to stop the French invasion of Puebla that could've lead to French rule of Mexico by Napoleon III. I'm not sure if my great great grandparents were born yet at that time but I'm sure that their parents were. That was only 145 years ago, meaning that Mexico is a relatively new independent country that has so much diverse culture and such a great history it's hard to believe. Cinco de Mayo is a true holiday, but get the facts straight.
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