CincoDeMayoByWylene

Sometimes thought to be Mexico's Independence day, Cinco de Mayo, "the 5th of May", is actually a commemoration of the Mexican Army's victory at the Battle of Puebla, "Batalla de Puebla", during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). Though a big holiday in the town of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is a fairly minor holiday in Mexico. In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, much like St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Though celebrations can be found at nearly every Mexican restaurant across the country, the parades, mariachi music and street festivals are more prevalent in those areas more highly populated with those of Mexican descent, as in Texas and California. Just as those of us with no Irish heritage to boast of might still drink "green beer" on St. Patrick's Day, those of us with no Mexican heritage to boast of might find ourselves enjoying a little tequila for Cinco de Mayo. Feliz Cinco de Mayo!