Many people across the United States have at least heard of Cinco de Mayo if not participated in its celebrations with a Corona or two.  However, the history of this holiday and the traditional Mexican celebrations are not necessarily widely known.  Some assume it is the Mexican Independence Day.  In fact, Cinco de Mayo celebrates an important battle against the French in the city of Puebla that took place nearly 52 years after Mexico declared its independence. 

 The Mexican war against the U.S. and their own civil war had bankrupt the nation.  When the Mexican president, Benito Juarez, issued a two year moratorium on their foreign debt, Mexico’s European debtors were unsympathetic. The English, Spanish and French invaded Mexico to collect their payments.  After a compromise was reached, the English and Spanish left, however, the French military remained.  Emperor Napoleon III had his own ambitions and ordered his army to occupy Mexico. 

 In 1862, the French army began its march towards Mexico City through the states of Veracruz and Puebla.  Along the way, the Mexican general Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin and his poorly equipped militia of approximately 4,500 were able to stop the well-trained, well-equipped French army of approximately 6,500 soldiers.  This impressive victory gave the Mexican people a much need boost in moral and sense of unity.

 (Unfortunately, the victory was short-lived.  Visit http://mexicanhistory.org/French.htm for more info)

 In Mexico, the holiday is referred to as La Batalla de Puebla.  It is not actually a national holiday in Mexico, rather, a regional holiday.  The state of Puebla celebrates the holiday with the most enthusiasm.  Traditional music, dance and food mark the celebrations in Puebla. 

 Ironically, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico.  While most of the U.S. celebrations tend to take place in bars or at home with a few Coronas, cities across the country hold festivals and celebrations with mariachi bands, traditional dances and food.  Some communities in California have even celebrated this holiday annually since 1863.  Cinco de Mayo celebrations have shifted from remembering the battle that took place in Puebla, Mexico to celebrating the Mexican and even a broader Latin American heritage.  Below are some pictures of Cinco de Mayo celebrations.  Guess which ones are in Mexico and which are in the U.S.