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Which country does Cinco de Mayo originate from?

IT'S MAY which means Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner.

is commonly known as the annual celebration across the and involving good food and .

Frosty Margarita On The Rocks At Cinco De Mayo Mexican Party
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Frosty Margarita On The Rocks At Cinco De Mayo Mexican PartyCredit: Getty

What is Cinco de Mayo?

While many people confuse this day as Mexico's Independence Day, it is actually .

The holiday is a celebration to commemorate the Mexican Army's victory over the Empire during the Battle of Puebla. The victory occurred on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza.

The holiday's first celebration in the U.S. can be dated back to 1863 when southern celebrated as a show of solidarity with Mexico against the French rule.

Many people across Mexico and the U.S. celebrate with parades, parties, music, and traditional Mexican food.

Which country does Cinco de Mayo originate from?

A woman dressed as a revolutionary Zacapoaztla indigenous soldier poses for a picture during a reenactment of The Battle of Puebla between the Zacapoaztlas and French army
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A woman dressed as a revolutionary Zacapoaztla indigenous soldier poses for a picture during a reenactment of The Battle of Puebla between the Zacapoaztlas and French armyCredit: AP:Associated Press

Cinco de Mayo originated in Mexico in 1862. The day came from the victory over France in the Battle of Puebla.

The war lasted from December 1861- January 1867 with the goal of France taking over Mexico to establish a regime favorable to French interests.

While France lost the Battle of Puebla, they won the war and took over Mexico. However, shortly after the end of the Civil War, Napoleon III decided in 1866 to end France's control of Mexico after the U.S was exerting diplomatic pressure on France and supplying weapons to Mexico's army.

When did the United States begin celebrating Cinco de Mayo?

Masked Mexican dance group perform in Olvera Street historic downtown Los Angeles during Cinco de Mayo Los Angeles California
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Masked Mexican dance group perform in Olvera Street historic downtown Los Angeles during Cinco de Mayo Los Angeles CaliforniaCredit: Alamy

While Cinco de Mayo is not a U.S. holiday, there are many Mexican immigrants in the country that brought their traditions and holidays with them when they migrating here.

Following the Mexican Civil war in 1915, many migrated to the southern states.

The first celebration in the U.S. can date back to 1863 and since then, many people in the U.S. have celebrated alongside in honor of the history of Mexican culture and heritage.

How do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Pumpkin Chips and Sals
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Pumpkin Chips and Sals

While many people use the day as an excuse to drink and eat tacos, there are more respectful ways that you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year.

Some of the ways include,

  • Supporting Mexican businesses
  • Educating yourself and learn more about the history of the day
  • Honor the history
  • Supporting Mexican museums and art
  • Eating their traditional food

Some of the ways people have disrespected the day are by wearing fake mustaches, wearing sombreros, or referring to the day as "Cinco De Drinko."

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