Victory Fiesta
Happy Cinco de Mayo 2018! How is it celebrated in the UK and when was Mexican independence?
Over the last 156 years the celebration has spread into America and evolved to honour Mexican culture
TODAY, people across the globe are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with parades, food, dancing and drinking.
The celebration is often thought to be commemorating Mexican independence, however it actually commemorates a battle. Here's all you need to know...
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What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo, which means "fifth of may", is an annual celebration in commemoration of the Mexican army's victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
The battle took place during the second French invasion in Mexico and helped slow down the invading force's advance to Mexico city.
It lasted from daybreak until early evening and saw the French retreat after they lost nearly 500 soldiers, whereas the Mexicans lost fewer than 100.
It's not a celebration of Mexican Independence which has its own day in September.
Since it's inception the day has developed into a celebration of Mexican heritage in the United States.
In Mexico the day is still celebrated traditionally with military parades to commemorate the battle and was declared as a national holiday in 1862.
However, it is no longer marked as a national holiday across all of Mexico, but all public schools close nationwide and it's a official holiday in Pubela and Veracruz states.
In Pubela there are historic re-enactments, parades and meals to commemorate the battle.
This year's Cinco de Mayo in America is seen by some as significant because of the anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric favoured by Donald Trump, making some fearful of celebrating.
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Is it celebrated in the UK?
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the UK but on a much smaller scale than in Mexico and the USA.
There are no parades planned but some restaurants are offering Cinco de Mayo theme deals and Whole Foods Market Piccadilly is offering free tacos on the day.
On May 5 a number of bars and clubs across the capital will be offering Cinco de Mayo party nights and cocktails to mark the occasion.
Pop Brixton is putting on a Cinco de Mayo extravaganza with international DJs and is offering free entry all night.
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When was Mexican Independence?
Mexican Independence was achieved in 1821 after more than 11 years of battles and skirmishes with Spain and later Napoleon's French empire.
The movement was sparked nationwide despite failed rebellion attempts in Mexico City in 1810 against colonial rule.
Mexico had been under Spanish control since discovery by the Europeans but was inspired by the American and French Revolutions.
The wars started with small guerrilla attacks before an organised revolution formed behind Guadalupe Victoria in Puebla and Vincente Guerrero in Oaxaca.
Mexico's independence was officially recognised by Queen Isabella II in 1836.
Mexican Independence is celebrated on September 16.
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