What Exactly Is ‘Cinco De Mayo’?

A big misconception about Cinco De Mayo is that it's Mexico's Independence Day...WRONG! Here's the deal:

It's actually the anniversary of the Batalla De Pueble, in which Mexican forces defeated the French in 1862. The whole thing started when Mexico declared a temporary hold on paying back foreign debt. The English, Spanish, and French decided they didn't like that and wanted to invade the country. The English and Spanish retreated, but the French decided that not only did they want to collect the debt, they wanted to establish a Monarchy!

Ignacio Zaragoza led troops in their defeat against the French at the Batalla De Puebla. Although the French were not completely defeated for another five years, that day symbolized resistance and victory.

Now enjoy that margarita today, who knows, maybe you can educate that drunk person in the corner that says, "happy Independence Day, Mexico!"