Every year on May 5, millions of Americans down margaritas and wear oversized sombreros. But do they have any idea why they do it?
Isn't it Mexican Independence Day?
Nope. That's September 16.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, May 5 1862. Mexico's war of independence had incurred massive foreign debts, most notably to the major European powers. France, Spain and Britain formed an alliance and invaded when Mexico refused to follow the payment schedule.
The French army marched on Puebla, expecting an easy victory due to their greater numbers and superior weapons. The Mexican army drove them off, inspiring the nation and standing as a symbol of the country's resistance to foreign power.
It should be noted that the French did eventually win the war, forcing Juarez out of Mexico City and einstalling Austrian-born Duke Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico.
What, you didn't know there was an Emperor of Mexico? We're going to be here for a while...
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