Cinco De Mayo Probably Isn't What You Think It is

Imagine millions of Mexicans celebrating this historic day from Cabo San Lucas to Cozumel. The dancing...the parades...the patriotic music...the parties and feasts into the night. Doesn't happen. That's right, my friends. Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is a regional celebration of the victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Outside the capital city and state of Puebla, today is pretty much just another Saturday. For Mexicans, the big national celebration is September 16, Independence Day.

Depiction of the Battle of Puebla   Francisco P. Miranda, 1872

Cross the border into the United States and it's a very different story. What originated in 1862 as a local victory celebration by Mexican gold miners in northern California has spread across the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. Like many American holidays, official and otherwise, Cinco de Mayo has grown in popularity in recent decades due to heavy commercial promotion. Greeting card, candy, and flower industries may drive Mother's Day. In the case of Cinco de Mayo the  primary force is the alcoholic beverage industry.

Whatever the reason for such popularity, it's a great time to experience and enjoy the rich heritage and culture of the people of Mexico and their contribution to the American experience.