Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the 5th of May) is celebrated in the Puebla region, the holiday has taken on more meaning outside of Mexico than within -- similar to how St. Patrick's Day is more popular in the U.S. than in Ireland. Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the victory by 4,000 Mexican soldiers over 8,000 French troops at the 1862 Battle of Puebla, 100 miles east of Mexico City.
On this day, many Mexicans around the world celebrate their Mexican ancestry and many people of all backgrounds take the time to appreciate Mexican culture. But in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has a growing influence as people dine on Mexican food and experience a little of its culture.
Here's how you can enjoy the festivities.
1. Indulge in Mexican cuisine.
2. Decorate Mexican style.
3. Put on some Mexican music and dance!
Let's all enjoy on May 5 because some of the restaurants pull out the pinatas, drink specials and tacos for a celebration marking Cinco de Mayo. McLoone's restaurants and Casa Comida are the restaurants whom I know that celebrates Cinco de Mayo.
