Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration on May 5, celebrating the achievements and culture of people with a Mexican background in the United States. Some of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations take place in Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento.

Cinco de Mayo officially commemorates the anniversary of an early victory by Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Many people think that this is the day that Mexico gained independence, but that is not true.

In Mexico, most of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations that take place occur in the town of Puebla (where the battle took place). There are large parades that feature people dressed up as Mexican and French soldiers. Vendors sell traditional Mexican foods as well as patriotic clothing and accessories for people to wear during the celebration.

The meaning of Cinco de Mayo within the context of the American Civil War started to be forgotten. And Cinco e Mayo is not celebrated widely in Mexico (except in Puebla) because the French ended up winning a second battle of Battle of Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo gatherings that focus on drinking have lost the spirit of social justice that they used to carry. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to throw an authentic Cinco de Mayo party. Families can turn celebrations into fundraisers for an advocacy organization would be a “much more appropriate” and historically accurate way to celebrate.