| If you happen to be throwing a Cinco de Mayo | | | | that is not the case. Mexico actually declared its |
| party this year, you probably have all of the | | | | independence over half a century before the |
| basics covered already: the decorations, the | | | | Battle of Puebla, in 1810 - and the date of |
| music, activities and of course, Mexican food and | | | | Mexico's Independence Day, in case you were |
| drink for your guests to enjoy. As the host or | | | | wondering, is September 16th. |
| hostess of this fiesta, though, there is something | | | | 3) While the holiday is generally not celebrated |
| else you can share with your guests along with | | | | nationally in Mexico, there are numerous events in |
| your hospitality: some interesting Cinco de Mayo | | | | the Mexican state of Puebla and in Mexico City, |
| trivia. | | | | which mark this day. There are parades, musical |
| In this article, we will cover some fascinating facts | | | | and dance performances as well as reenactments |
| about this holiday, both well-known and lesser | | | | of the Battle of Puebla - two of the most notable |
| known. Your friends and family will be amazed at | | | | are Mexico City's reenactment and the |
| your wealth of knowledge about Cinco de Mayo; | | | | reenactment held on the battlefield where the |
| maybe not as impressed as they are by your | | | | events of Cinco de Mayo originally took place. |
| skills in the kitchen, but impressed nonetheless. | | | | 4) Tissue paper flowers are a traditional |
| Keep reading for some interesting information | | | | decoration for Cinco de Mayo, with people |
| about this popular holiday. | | | | festooning their homes and public spaces where |
| 1) Cinco de Mayo means "fifth of May" in Spanish. | | | | holiday events are held with these delicate, |
| The holiday is a commemoration of a historic | | | | handmade decorations. Many people wear them in |
| battle in the Franco-Mexican War, the Battle of | | | | their hair or in a buttonhole as well. |
| Puebla, where a small Mexican force defeated a | | | | 5) The Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla |
| well-equipped, professional French force nearly | | | | may have actually shortened America's Civil War, |
| twice their number. The victory was an inspiration | | | | which was currently ongoing. Due to the level of |
| to the entire country of Mexico and spurred their | | | | resistance to the invading French, they were |
| efforts to repel the French invaders, which as we | | | | unable to provide assistance to their allies, the |
| all know, were successful. Moreover, oh yes, the | | | | southern breakaway states in the US Civil War. |
| battle occurred on May 5th, 1862. | | | | Following the Union victory, the US lent a hand to |
| 2) A lot of people are under the impression that | | | | the Mexican army in the form of arms shipments |
| Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico's | | | | and naval blockades to prevent the French from |
| independence from Spain. As you know by now, | | | | bringing in reinforcements or equipment. |