Cinco de Mayo, << SEENG koh day MAH yoh, >> is a holiday celebrated on May 5 by Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Its name is Spanish for Fifth of May.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of a Mexican army over a French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, won the battle even though the French force was larger and better armed. The battle occurred after Emperor Napoleon III of France sent troops to Mexico to conquer the country. Despite the Mexican victory at Puebla, the French later gained control of Mexico City and established a French-supported government there. In 1866 and 1867, however, France withdrew its troops from Mexico because of resistance by many Mexicans and pressure from the United States. The French-backed government soon fell.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated differently in different areas. Some Mexican towns hold small celebrations, including parades or town meetings and speeches. In the United States, celebrations often include parades, folk dancing, speeches, carnival rides, and Mexican music.
