Cinco de Mayo is often misunderstood in the United States. Cinco de Mayo is often misunderstood as Mexican Independence Day. It celebrates an important historical moment in the Mexican culture. The Mexican army won its battle over the French at the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, in Puebla, Mexico. Even though it may seem like just another regular holiday with food and music, Cinco de Mayo has a deep cultural and historical significance.  

The story behind Cinco de Mayo begins when Mexico was struggling financially and had trouble paying back its debts to European countries. France with the powerful army they had at the time, invaded Mexico and took full control but the Mexican Army managed to defeat the French forces in Puebla. Cinco de Mayo Is mainly celebrated in the state of Puebla, Mexico where, they have parades, events and honor the soldiers who fought during the battle. However, it is not as big of a holiday across the entire country compared to Mexico’s Independence Day in September.  

I got the chance to interview senior Sergio Munguia about what he likes to do for Cinco de Mayo. Munguia responded with “I usually just go out to eat with my family and celebrate Cinco De Mayo by eating.” Another question I got to ask Sergio was what his meaning towards Cinco De Mayo was. Munguia responded with, “It doesn’t really mean a big thing to me or my family, but it still is something that is apart of the Mexican Culture.” Although Cinco de Mayo is not as big as Mexican Independence Day, it is still celebrated around which makes Mexican Culture beautiful.