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5 Things You Didn't Know About Cinco de Mayo

Mexico Student Work Holidays
by Alice Latham May 5, 2016

1. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day.

A photo posted by @miguel8122 on

Actually, Mexico’s independence from the Spanish is celebrated on the 16th of September. On May 5th, 1862, Mexico had an unlikely victory against a larger French army in the city of Puebla. It is this victory that is celebrated every year on the 5th of May.

2. Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico.

It’s only really celebrated within the state of Puebla, which holds a lavish parade along the 5 de Mayo Boulevard.

3. Mexico may have won the battle…

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But the French won the war, and went on to occupy the region for 5 years.

4. It is celebrated more in the USA.

Where over 85 million pounds of avocados are consumed every year on this day. In fact, the biggest Cinco de Mayo party in the world is hosted by the city of Los Angeles.

5. Puebla — home to 5 de Mayo — isn’t a small town.

A photo posted by Puebla.Travel (@pueblatravel) on

Puebla is actually Mexico’s 4th biggest city, and it’s home to some of Mexico’s best food.

A photo posted by Iván (@vanpatto) on

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