A New Perspective on Cinco de Mayo

The 5th of May is coming up, and we are getting ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Here in New Mexico, which was once part of Mexico, we have many people of Mexican descent. While many people in the U.S. celebrate this holiday by eating traditional Mexican foods, drinking beer or margaritas, and decorating with papel picado, it's interesting to note that Cinco de Mayo is not a major Mexican holiday.

Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican army unexpectedly fought off the French forces in 1862. Many people think that the holiday celebrates Mexican independence, but that date is actually September 16th. So when you celebrate next week, please don't appropriate Mexican culture. Think about leaving your sombrero at home!