The fifth of May, or more well known for the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo, commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in the year of 1862. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parties, festivals, and food across Mexico and the United States. Despite the fact that this holiday was known for being minor, it has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture, in many Mexican-American populations. Promptly when Benito Juárez became president of Mexico, he was forced to suspend payments of interest on foreign debts on European countries for a time frame of two years. With enragement, European countries, specifically Britain, Spain and France sent naval forces to demand his country for reimbursement. Although Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and resolved the problem, The French troops were demanded to attack Mexico under Napoleon the Third.  The Mexican army was outnumbered and lacked in supplies, but under General Ignacio Zaragoza, they defeated a French army, who attempted to capture Puebla, a small town in east central Mexico. This victory at the Battle of Puebla represented a great moral victory for the Mexican government, and symbolized the country’s ability to defend its threats by other powerful foreign nations. Feeling confident and assertive, the French troops headed out to attack Puebla. Under General Zaragoza’s lead, the outnumbered and unprepared Mexican troops prepared for the attack by the French. The battle lasted for an entire day, and when the French finally retreated, they had lost nearly 500 soldiers. Surprisingly, fewer than 100 Mexicans had been killed in the battle. Although it seems like the Mexican troops weren’t as strategic as the French, it represented more significance to them. Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mainly celebrated in the state of Puebla, although some other countries participate in celebrating. It is commonly mistaken that Cinco de Mayo is a federal holiday, but it isn’t, which indicates that all offices and stores remain opened on this day.  Within the United States, this holiday is understood as the celebration of the Mexican culture and heritage. There have been many festivals and parties for this holiday throughout the country. The biggest celebration of Cinco de Mayo is in Los Angeles. Downtown LA offers Fiesta Broadway, a mile long street fair with games, music and vendors. It is unfortunately commonly mistaken that Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the Mexican Independence, which could sound uncommon since their independence was declared more than fifty years before the Battle of Puebla. Events related to Cinco de Mayo are celebrated outside of Mexico and the United States. For instance, Canada holds an American style Cinco de Mayo festival, Vancouver holds a Cinco de Mayo skydiving club, and in the Caribbean, there is an annual Cinco de Mayo air guitar competition. There are also celebrations in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and many other countries. No matter how each and every country likes to celebrate it, each country has a unique celebration. It may be true that this holiday is well known to be mainly celebrated in Puebla, but there are still many celebrations held in many other places across the world. Cinco de Mayo has its own history and its misconceptions. Although it isn’t a federal holiday, a number of people appreciate it and celebrate it in their own unique way. It is important to know what Cinco de Mayo is celebrated for, and understand the creative and unique ways that people celebrate this holiday.