(KRON) – Cinco de Mayo is a celebratory day that is often associated with parties, Mexican food and tequila. However, this day has been recognized for more than 160 years and there is some misinformation associated with the holiday.
Cinco de Mayo is also falsely considered to be Mexico’s Independence Day, however, Independence Day for Mexico is September 16 (Día de la Independencia). Mexico’s independence occurred more than five decades before Cinco de Mayo.
According to History’s website, Cinco de Mayo is a non-federal holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War, which occurred on May 5, 1862.
Currently, for Americans and others across the world, Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate and honor Mexican culture and heritage. Celebrations often include parades, festivals and recreations of the Battle of Puebla, according to History’s website.