What is Cinco de Mayo and who celebrates the Mexican holiday? What you should know
It's a popular misconception that Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "fifth of May" in Spanish, is Mexico's Independence Day or is Mexico's counterpart to the Fourth of July. The holiday actually marks the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Cinco de Mayo is heavily commercialized in the United States without much understanding of the significance behind the Mexican holiday.
Who celebrates Cinco de Mayo?
Although there are some Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout Mexico — particularly in the city of Puebla — the event is small compared to Día de la Independencia, which is celebrated annually on Sept. 16 after the country claimed its independence from Spain in 1810.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has become an annual celebration of Mexican-American culture that began with the rise of the Chicano movement in the 1960s and 1970s, according to USA TODAY.
Is it OK to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
It's OK to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Use respect and cultural sensitivity. Avoid stereotypes or appropriation. Look for festivals, performances and other events celebrating Mexican culture in your area.
How to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Texas
— AZ Central contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated? No, it's not Mexico's Independence Day
