People who live in Mexico and the southwestern United States experience the celebratory fanfare of Cinco de Mayo perhaps more than other places. Nevertheless, the Mexican holiday’s popularity is growing. As a result, people of different ethnicities and nationalities celebrate Cinco de Mayo, adding it to their list of favorite holidays. Whether it’s the food, music, dancing, drinks or festive atmosphere, there is much to love about this celebration.
Here are 10 facts you should know about Cinco de Mayo:
1. Cinco de Mayo, just as its name implies, is celebrated each year on May 5.
2. This Mexican holiday, which literally means “fifth of May” in Spanish, is often wrongly interpreted as the celebration to commemorate Mexico’s independence; Mexican Independence Day, or El Grito de la Independencia, actually takes place in September.
3. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla that took place between Mexico and the French army on May 5, 1862.
4. Originally intended to celebrate military victories, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. The holiday’s popularity continues to grow throughout the United States and around the world.
5. Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday in Mexico. It is celebrated primarily in the regions around Puebla, Veracruz and Mexico City. It is not celebrated widely throughout Mexico as well as El Grito de la Independencia.
6. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo became fashionable in the 1940s, during the wave of increased Latin and Mexican-American immigration.
7. Today, Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated – and perhaps more festive – north of the border than in Mexico. This holiday is celebrated throughout the United States with parades, festivals and Cinco de Mayo themed parties.
8. The largest Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place in Los Angeles, California. Festival de Fiesta Broadway, attracts more than 600,000 people with a variety of arts, music, dance and cuisine of Mexico.
9. Ay Chihuahua! Thousands of people attend the Chihuahua, an annual Cinco de Mayo festival in Chandler, Arizona. The celebration features Chihuahua dog races and the crowning of the King and Queen Chihuahua.
10. The Battle of Puebla gets reenacted each year in San Diego. Participants dress up in the military style of the 19th century, carrying machetes and antique guns.