4 Things You May Not Have Known About Cinco de Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everybody! What are your plans? Before we get all fiesta-frenzied, we should remember what Cinco de Mayo is actually about. Here are 4 things you may not know about the holiday. 

You may have already known that Cindo de Mayo is Spanish for "fifth of May." Not only is the day celebrated with delicious Mexican cuisine and tequila drinks, it is a highly respected holiday here in the United States.

1. Even though the Mexicans held off the French that day, they didn't win their war. About a year later, the French successfully occupied Mexico City. They didn't leave until the U.S. strongly pressured them to leave a few years later.
2. It's NOT Mexican Independence Day. That's September 16th.
3. It's NOT a federal holiday in Mexico, but just a voluntary one. And it doesn't get huge celebrations in Mexico . . . in fact, they barely notice it.
4. Even though it's virtually ignored in Mexico, outside of the country it has evolved into a day of Hispanic pride, which is why it gets huge celebrations in U.S. cities with large Latino populations.

Now you can share your Cinco de Mayo knowledge over fajitas and margaritas tonight. Have a happy and safe Cinco de Mayo, y'all!