Perhaps it would be best to state this at the beginning: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a victory over the French by Mexican forces that occurred more than a half century later, on May 5, 1862.

Mexican Independence Day celebrates the country’s fight for independence from Spain, specifically the moment a famed priest gave the “El Grito de Dolores” battle cry. It is celebrated on September 16 by Mexicans and people of Mexican ancestry around the world.

Mexico’s independence is generally celebrated in the central plaza, or town square. True False. Mexico’s independence is generally celebrated in the central plaza, or town square.

Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) is a Mexican holiday to celebrate the “cry of independence” on September 16, 1810, which started a revolt against the Spaniards. It follows from the day of the Cry of Dolores (El Grito de Dolores), on September 15.

el Grito

The pretext used by France, Britain and Spain to justify invading Mexico in late 1861 was precisely the necessity of securing repayment of the debts owed by Mexico to French, British or Spanish citizens.

In December 1861, Emperor Napoleon III invaded Mexico on a pretext that Mexico had refused to pay its foreign debt, though in retrospect, Emperor Napoleon III wanted to expand his empire in Latin-America and this became known as the Second French intervention in Mexico.

French Intervention in Mexico and the American Civil War, 1862–1867. In 1862, French Emperor Napoleon III maneuvered to establish a French client state in Mexico, and eventually installed Maximilian of Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, as Emperor of Mexico.

In the US, Mexican-Americans started observing Cinco de Mayo during the Civil War as a way to celebrate their heritage. Although many use Cinco de Mayo as another day to party today, the holiday is an opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity, promote ethnic consciousness, and build community solidarity.

Cinco de Mayo is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16. The latter holiday was established in 1810, some 50 years before the Battle of Puebla occurred.

So why does the United States celebrate it more? Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo doesn’t commemorate Mexico’s Independence Day. May 5 marks the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

Most likely because Cinco de Mayo is not really a holiday celebrated in all of Mexico. Contrary to popular beliefs, Cinco de Mayo does not commemorate Mexico’s day of independence, which is actually Sept. 16. The nation gained its independence in 1810.

Women often wear the traditional colors of Mexico during Independence Day. It’s mostly green, white and red in skirts and long sleeves but you can go with orange, blue and bold prints and patterns. It’s alright to fully dress you from head to toe.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more enthusiastically by Mexican descendants in the United States than in its native Mexico. The day celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army versus the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Often it is mistakenly called Mexican Independence Day.

The Fiesta Fashion Parade Consider glamming it up with high-end Western wear or go traditional with Mexican Fiesta clothes. Start with turquoise jewelry and a long lacy or fringed dress. Add leather fringed accessories such as shoes, handbags, jewelry, and scarves for the perfect Fiesta look.

The guayabera is also refered to as a “Mexican wedding shirt,” signifying its importance to Mexico’s cultural heritage. Mexican men wear the shirt as frequently as men elsewhere in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Don’t leave Mexico without trying…

• Chilaquiles. This popular traditional breakfast dish features lightly fried corn tortillas cut into quarters and topped with green or red salsa (the red is slightly spicier).
• Pozole.
• Tacos al pastor.
• Tostadas.
• Chiles en nogada.
• Elote.
• Enchiladas.
• Mole.