Nikki Martinez
89.5 KVNE Middays

As long as I can remember, Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated throughout the U.S. as a day to eat as much Mexican food as you could and maybe bust open a pinata. But do you really know what this day is all about?

This morning when eating breakfast at a local restaurant, I overheard one employee asking the other, “So today is kind of your Independence Day, right?” I couldn’t help but chuckle a little because I could only imagine the Hispanic woman wanted to roll her eyes but out of respect didn’t.

Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico defeating the French armies back in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. For awhile everyone in Mexico celebrated this day, but as of today it really is only celebrated in the Mexican state of Puebla, known as El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (Battle of Puebla Day). And yes, it’s also celebrated as a day to commemorate Mexican culture and heritage here in the U.S….but it is NOT Mexican Independence Day. That is Sept. 16th, kind-of kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month!

And now you know…so enjoy some tamales, pan dulce and chicharrones on me 🙂

What culture do you celebrate in your family? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the “Comments” box below!

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