Past Displays - Books: Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (May 5) celebrates the anniversary of the Mexican army's victory of France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War. The Mexicans were vastly outnumbered during the battle, but they still forced the French army to retreat. Though not a major win in the overall war, the win represented a great symbolic victory for Mexico, especially once France officially withdrew from the war in 1867.

The holiday itself celebrates Mexican culture and heritage, but surprisingly more so in the United States than in Mexico itself. The day is celebrated in the US with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, and traditional foods. 

(From History.com)