Many people confuse Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day. However, Mexican Independence Day is on September 16 and celebrates Mexico gaining their Independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo is May 5 and celebrates the Mexicans' victory at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The battle took place in 1862 and the Mexicans were outnumbered 3 to 1. The French thought of the battle as something that would be easy to win. The people of Puebla, however, refused to give up and only suffered around 100 casualties, hardly anything compared to the 500 French casualties.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more than in Mexico. For many Mexicans, Cinco de Mayo is just an ordinary day. Nothing closes, and it would be hard to find anyone who is celebrating. People in Puebla, the city in which the battle took place, may celebrate in ways similar to the celebrations in the United States. The biggest celebrations for Cinco de Mayo usually occur in Los Angeles, California, in an event called "Festival de Fiesta Broadway."
Some people go all out to Cinco de Mayo celebrations. In large cities or cities with a high population of Mexicans, there are large celebrations such as parades, festivals, and fairs. Smaller celebrations include things like Mexican-themed parties, making and eating traditional Mexican foods, and even having a Mariachi band play in a local area. Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States are usually about the Mexican culture, rather than the battle that the Mexicans won. It is still a very fun holiday that many people love to celebrate. Below are some items that you can use to make this year's Cinco de Mayo even more festive.