Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated by people in Mexico and the United States. In Mexico, it is mostly observed in the state of Puebla, where the historic Battle of Puebla took place, and to a lesser extent in Veracruz. The day commemorates Mexico's unexpected military victory over French forces on May 5, 1862

. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a widely celebrated holiday that honors Mexican heritage and culture, especially among Mexican-American communities. It is marked by festivals, parades, music, dancing, and cultural events, and has grown in popularity beyond Mexican-Americans to include many Americans who celebrate Mexican culture

. Additionally, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on a smaller scale in various other countries around the world, including Canada, Australia, France, Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, and the Cayman Islands, often as a celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, and music

. In summary, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated mainly by Mexicans (especially in Puebla) and Mexican-Americans in the United States, as well as by people around the world who appreciate Mexican culture