What do you know about Cinco de Mayo? Did you know that the phrase Cinco de Mayo simply means “fifth of May” in Spanish?

The holiday known as Cinco de Mayo, is not Mexico’s official día de independencia or Independence Day (that is celebrated on September 16). Still, in the U.S., it is a beloved celebration because it commemorates Mexico’s moral victory in its struggle against French occupation. The 5th of May marks the 1862 Battle of Puebla, an important milestone in Mexico’s march towards independence.

Miscommunication helped fan the flames that led to the Battle of Puebla, but out of the confusion, came a renewed national pride. Although the Battle of Puebla did not end Mexico’s struggle to be independent of France, it was great stride forward.

As Americans, we know what it means to struggle to be free from the unjust rule of another nation. We fought for our independence from Britain and we too had many pivotal battles to go through before finally achieving liberty.

Cinco de Mayo is actually celebrated with much more enthusiasm in the U.S. that it is in Mexico because it has become a day that symbolized freedom and liberty.