Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday. So why does the United States celebrate it more? Jordan Mendoza and Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY
Cinco de Mayo celebrated in U.S., not so much in Mexico
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo doesn’t commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day.
May 5 marks the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.
A 2018 survey by NationalToday.com showed only 10% of Americans knew the true reason behind the holiday, yet it has turned into a day where people can get cheap margaritas and wear sombreros.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo doesn’t commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day.
May 5 marks the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.
A 2018 survey by NationalToday.com showed only 10% of Americans knew the true reason behind the holiday, yet it has turned into a day where people can get cheap margaritas and wear sombreros.
“Most people drinking in the bars have no idea that it s celebrating the strength in the power and the resilience of Mexican people to overcome invaders who are trying to take their land,” said Alexandro Gradilla, associate professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at California State University, Fullerton.