Cinco de Mayo celebration

Cinco de Mayo is a big celebration celebrated not only in Mexico but also in the US. Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo was when Mexico got its independence, but that happened on September 16, 1810. Not long after defeating the Spaniards in 1821 and losing the Mexican-American War in 1848, Mexico found itself in another conflict with France. French Emperor Napoleon III wanted to claim Mexican territory, sending his troops to force Mexico's President Benito Juárez and the government out of Veracruz.

On May 5, 1862, in Puebla de Los Ángeles, a small town in east-central Mexico, 6,000 French troops faced 2,000 Mexican soldiers at daybreak. By the evening, Mexico had claimed victory. Days later, Juárez declared May 5 a national holiday.

What do people do to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Many families celebrate Cinco de Mayo by eating Mexican tamales, chilaquiles, mole poblano, and other traditional Mexican foods.

Aside from this, people celebrate with their families, whether having a carne asada or a cookout. Some desserts people eat on Cinco de mayo include churros, tres leches cake, or flan. These are trendy desserts in Mexico that people often have for birthday parties.

What not to do on Cinco de mayo:

There is no need to "dress up" for this day, but if you do, do not wear a sombrero, mariachi suit, serape, fake mustache, or anything of the sort if you are not a member of that culture. Those things have historical and cultural significance, and donning them just for a day caricatures and stereotypes people. People take a lot of offense to this; it is better to dress like yourself.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!