Cinco de Mayo

Did you know …

Cinco de Mayo means “fifth of May.” It is a day celebrated in both Mexico and the United States.

Battle of Puebla

This celebration remembers the Battle of Puebla. When French soldiers invaded Puebla, Mexico, the Mexican army won the battle.

The battle happened on May 5, 1862, or on Cinco de Mayo in 1862.

Celebrations in Mexico

Puebla and other parts of Mexico observe this day with military parades. Performers recreate the battle.

For many other Mexicans, Cinco de Mayo is a normal work day.

Celebrations in the United States

Celebrations in the United States honor the Mexican culture with parades. They host parties serving traditional Mexican food such as tacos.

The Mexican Hat Dance

The Mexican Hat Dance is a folk dance that uses a sombrero. These are colorful hats with wide brims.

Sombreros can be made of straw, felt, or velvet. The wide-brimmed hats are bright and colorful.

 

-Sandra Merville Hart

Resources

“Cinco de Mayo,” A&E Television Networks, 2016/01/22 http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo.

Edited by Dupay, Trevor Nevitt. Holidays, Franklin Watts, Inc., 1965

Gillespie, Katie. Learn to Fold Origami Holidays, AV2 by Weigl, 2015.