Cinco De Mayo is celebrated across the United States as a celebration of the Mexican culture including its music and food. May the 5th isn't mostly celebrated in Mexico in the city of Pueblo but it isn't a federal holiday. Many Americans tend to believe that Cinco de Mayo is the Independence Day for Mexico when in fact it isn't. The actual day of independence is September 16th. That is a federal holiday in Mexico.
In 1810 Mexico fought to become a free nation from under the ruling of Spain. They endured 10 years of battle. Through this they received loans from France and England. After winning the battle against the Spanish rule, Mexico received loans from Spain as well. From the debt of the war, Mexico was unable to pay these countries back which led to them being pursued by England, France, and Spain once more. They wanted land or money to compensate what they owed. Instead Mexico offered payment warrants and England and Spain accepted. France, however, did not. They sent six thousand troops to battle in Puebla.
The Mexican's beat the French despite not having as large of an army as France in 1862. They were determined to keep their freedom. This was where the celebration of May 5th or Cinco de Mayo came about. It is in celebration of their freedom. However, three days later they found themselves in trouble again with the French as the French army succeeded in their battle. They appointed Maximillian as Emperor of Mexico. Benito Juarez regained power about a year later and had Maximillian sentenced to death. He in turn, restored the Mexican government and reorganized his administration.
Every year on May 5th each state in America has celebrations for the Mexican heritage. There are many celebrations alike for the German, Irish, Asian cultures as well. This is a day that Americans turned into more of a celebration of culture rather than a day that the Battle of Puebla was won by Mexico. If you go to one of these festivals you will notice they will focus a lot on music, dance, and food. Mexicans love to celebrate big especially when it has to do with their culture. The city of Puebla in Mexico celebrates this day more so than the rest of the country.
