Happy Cinco de Mayo from the Jefferson County Post!

The Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo is today, Friday, May 5, 2017! The holiday’s name literally translates to the fifth of May. While today isn’t a national holiday within the country of Mexico, millions around the world, especially in the United States, use the day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 in the Franco-Mexican war. It is not, however, the Day of Independence for Mexico. This is a common misconception. The Mexican people would actually not declare their Independence until more than fifty years after the Battle of Puebla. The actual day of Independence for Mexico is celebrated on September 14th.

Cinco de Mayo is heavily celebrated in the United States, particularly in areas with heavy Mexican-American influences. The day is marked with parades, parties, mariachi music, and traditional foods and dances. Happy Cinco de Mayo from all of us at the Jefferson County Post!