Cinco de Mayo, meaning "Fifth of May" in Spanish, is an annual celebration held on May 5 to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This battle was a significant symbolic victory for Mexico against the French Empire led by Napoleon III, despite the French eventually occupying Mexico City later on

. The holiday is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16 and marks the start of Mexico's war of independence from Spain in 1810. Cinco de Mayo specifically honors the Battle of Puebla, where a smaller, less-equipped Mexican force led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated a larger French army, boosting Mexican morale and symbolizing resistance against foreign domination

. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place, with military parades, reenactments, and festivals. It is not a national statutory holiday, though public schools close nationwide on this day. In contrast, the celebration has become much more popular in the United States as a day to honor Mexican-American culture, often featuring music, food, and festivities that highlight Mexican heritage

. In summary, Cinco de Mayo commemorates a historic Mexican military victory and has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture, especially in the United States, while in Mexico it remains a regional observance focused on the Battle of Puebla