Origins: Cinco De Mayo (translated to mean “May the 5th”) is celebrated in honor of the victory over the French forces under Napoleon III in 1862. Who Celebrates It? Parts of Mexico and the United States Is It Religious? No. Rituals/Symbolism: ● It is regularly celebrated as a symbol of Mexican culture, resilience , and character ● Typical festivities include parades, street food, mariachi competitions, etc. Meaning of the Holiday Today: It is still celebrated the same way; it is a day of remembrance of the victory over the French Fun Fact! Mexicans DO NOT refer to Cinco De Mayo as “Cinco De Mayo.” Instead, they call it “El Dia de la Batella de Puebla (“The Day of the Battle of Puebla”)”.