| Cinco de Mayo is best compared to America's holiday | | | | Puebla which demonstrates how difficult the four hour |
| of the seventh of December, otherwise known as | | | | battle really was for the Mexican soldiers to win. |
| Pearl Harbor Day in that it commemorates a famous | | | | Mexican soldiers, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza |
| battle. The holiday marks the victory of Mexican | | | | Seguin, had machetes and muzzle loaders by which to |
| forces of the French occupational forces based upon | | | | fight Napoleon's French army. Therefore, it seemed |
| the Battle of Puebla. This was a significant victory for | | | | that the Mexican Army defied all odds to defend itself. |
| the Mexican forces because they were outnumbered | | | | Ultimately the French did end up occupying Mexico, |
| in people, training, and weaponry. | | | | however the Cinco de Mayo celebration |
| Cinco de Mayo, translated literally the fifth of May, is a | | | | commemorates the bravery and determination the |
| national holiday of Mexico that also has wide | | | | Mexican people showed when faced with unbeatable |
| observance within the United States much like that of | | | | odds. |
| other ethnic celebrations like that of St. Patrick's Day. | | | | Cinco de Mayo has a strong tie to the practice of |
| Although Cinco de Mayo is not an officially recognized | | | | eating and drinking and for that reason it has had a |
| national holiday in the United States, many communities | | | | large American following as well, especially along |
| - especially those with large Latino and Chicano | | | | border communities and larger cities. Because of this |
| populations - celebrate the day with parades, banners, | | | | focus of food and drink, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect |
| special classes, and cultural displays of dancing and | | | | excuse for hosting a get-together. Consider when |
| food. | | | | choosing your party accessories all things Mexican, |
| More traditional celebrations of the Cinco de Mayo | | | | including Mexican flag and colors, Mexican music, and |
| observance, especially in areas like Puebla, Mexico, | | | | lots of food and drink. Your on-line party supplier has |
| include a fiesta that features lots of Mexican food, | | | | an excellent selection of party accessories including |
| Mexican music, parades, mariachi bands, pinatas, and | | | | tableware, balloons, and even a traditional pinata to |
| fireworks after dark. In Puebla and Mexico City, and | | | | ensure your party is a big success. |
| observer can watch a re-enactment of the Battle of | | | | |