Overview

• Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, though it is a minor holiday in Mexico outside of Puebla and Veracruz.
• In the U.S., the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture, featuring parades, folkloric dances, and community events organized by groups like LULAC.
• Cities like Phoenix, Houston, San Antonio, and Columbus are hosting extensive events, including bar crawls, live performances, and themed food and drink specials.
• Restaurants and bars nationwide are offering margarita-focused promotions, with the Distillers Council of the U.S. noting that half of all cocktails served on Cinco de Mayo are margaritas.
• The holiday highlights the contributions of Mexican-American communities and serves as a platform to celebrate their cultural identity and heritage.