What Is The Real Significance Of Cinco De Mayo Celebrations?

It's Cinco de Mayo, which, if you're like me and haven't taken elementary school Spanish, translates to "Fifth of May."

You've heard of it, but do you know what it celebrates? Probably not.

Isn't It Mexican Independence Day?

Well, no. Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5th, 1862 . . . 163 years ago. The battle itself was not a major strategic win, and the French took control of Mexico two years later . . . but it was a major morale boost for the Mexican resistance, and it helped them to gain an alliance with the Americans to eventually force the French to withdraw. Many history nerds believe the French would've backed the Confederacy during America's Civil War, so Mexico's resistance likely changed the history of the United States.

If you didn't know that, no big deal. In a recent poll, 39% of Americans say it's "Mexican Independence Day". So most of us are wrong. If you think it's a celebration of Mexican-American culture, that's technically wrong too, but also right? 13% say it's just a fun excuse to drink, which seems legit. Another 13% admit they have no clue what it's all about.

So How Should We Celebrate?

Most Americans plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and most plan to do it by eating Mexican food, drinking margaritas, or sipping on Mexican beer. Which, you know, again, legit. About a fourth of people will celebrate Mexican culture or take a second to read about Mexican history. But most of us won't.

If I'm being real, I know exactly what my Cinco De Mayo is going to be. It's going to be a White People Taco Night.

By the way, Google Trends put out a map of the "most-searched" Cinco de Mayo cocktails. The Western and Southeastern states were looking up margaritas, and Middle America was searching for Micheladas. The Midwest was mostly searching for Palomas and Pina Coladas. But Ohioans want a Tequila Sunrise.

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Which, again, legitness.

hdoggrafix

How will you be celebrating Cinco De Mayo?

Historically yours,

Behka

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