Cinco de Mayo is an annual 'holiday' that we celebrate, but many don't even know why we celebrate the day.

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Like St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo is typically an excuse we gringos use to get hammered, but there's so much more to the day.

First off, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day. That day is actually September 16th, annually.

Even though Cinco de Mayo isn't an official holiday, it's still one of the most celebrated days of the entire year.

Why Do We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Well, the day, itself, is to recognize the Mexican Army's victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla, which took place May 5th, 1862. In Mexico, it's called Battle of Puebla Day and is primarily celebrated in the region of Puebla.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations.

Chicano activists raised awareness of the holiday in the 1960s, in part because they identified with the victory of Indigenous Mexicans (such as Juárez) over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.

Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. [History.com]

Locally, a variety of groups and businesses have Cinco de Mayo celebrations planned, including Miguel's Mex Tex Cafe. If you went to Miguel's, for Cinco de Mayo, last year then you probably saw La Reyna de Ballet Folklorico.

Well, they are back again this year with two incredible performances, 5:30 and 7:30.

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There's also a Cinco de Mayo parade and festival taking place at Sears Park in Abilene. I've been to those in the past and they are a blast. Best of all, it's free for the community.

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