Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Friday, May 5 in 2023, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of Indigenous Mexicans (such as Juárez) over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.

Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico. The day has gained significance because it gives people a chance to celebrate their heritage on a national scale. No other holiday gives Mexicans so much exposure in the U.S., so people have clung to it on purpose.

For as long as I've been married, we have enjoyed the occasion (as Americans)
and celebrate this holiday the same as we do St Patrick's Day. Yummy food is part of the celebration.