Latin American Independence

Did You Know?

On May 5th, many people in the United States celebrate by honoring Mexican culture, history, and food in a holiday known as Cinco de Mayo (literally, the fifth of May). While most Americans believe this day to be a celebration of Mexican independence, it is actually a celebration of Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Mexico's idependence from Spain actually occurred much earlier on September 16, 1810, which was the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Next year, when your family and friends think that they are celebrating Mexican Independence Day on Cinco de Mayo, you can tell them that they should be celebrating it on September 16th!