While Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico–it is primarily a date commemorated in Puebla, Mexico with an annual parade–the Mexican holiday has been adopted and commercialized in the U.S. as a day of celebrating Mexican culture as a whole.
Even the White House, George W. Bush and Barack Obama held major Cinco de Mayo events with surprise Mexican artists as guest performers including Thalía, Pedro Fernández, Marco Antonio Solis, Graciela Beltrán and Maná.
But those partaking in Cinco de Mayo festivities in the U.S. rarely know what Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates. If that’s you and you’re only using this as an excuse to drink tequila and throw a party, it wouldn’t hurt to know some facts along the way.
Or, if you’re feeling pretty confident about your Cinco de Mayo knowledge, take our ultimate seven-question Cinco de Mayo quiz.
Good luck!