What is the history of cinco de mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Cinco de Mayo 2018 occurs on Saturday, May 5. read more

Cinco de Mayo honors the anniversary of the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla (Eduardo Verdugo/AP) While the victory is still celebrated in Puebla, it's far from the national holiday American merchandisers would have us believe. read more

Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day—the most important national holiday in Mexico—which is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the Cry of Dolores that initiated the war of Mexican independence from Spain. read more

Cinco de Mayo honors the anniversary of the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla. The clash, which took place during the French-Mexican war, featured a vastly outnumbered Mexican army and their unlikely victory over Napoleon III's troops. read more

Cinco de Mayo Meaning and History Literally meaning "The Fifth of May," Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican Holiday celebrating the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. It was one of the few Mexican victories during France's attempt to penetrate Mexico. read more