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Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a holiday held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla. The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Segu?n.

Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day,[9][10] the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th.

Mexico

Throughout most of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo goes remarkably unnoticed. A few sporadic celebrations occur throughout the country. One place the date is commemorated is in the city of Puebla where the original battle took place. Parades of the military, marching bands and school children march through the streets. Vendors set up stalls selling traditional Mexican foods and various patriotic wares. There is often a re-enactment of the French troops' being defeated and fleeing the scene.

United States

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In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become highly commercialized. Mexican heritage is celebrated on May 5th with parades, parties and folk festivals throughout the country. Red, white and green, the colors of the Mexican flag, are festively displayed. Mexican tissue-paper decorations and flowers featuring these colors are commonly found. Mariachi bands blare Mexican folk music. Traditional food and drink associated with Mexico, such as tortillas, salsa, tacos, tamales and margaritas, are common fare at Cinco de Mayo celebrations.


Read more: Cinco de Mayo Traditions | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5369497_cinco-de-mayo-traditions.html#ixzz1LWAuoRjS

To answer your question, I'm not doing anything out of the ordinary, kind of like what goes on in Mexico during this time of the year, hope you find the extra info. interesting and have a wonderful cinco de mayo.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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I join festivities where they have plenty of Spanish Dishes, and Pinanta's of course. Also, I like to dance and listen to Spanish Cultural Music.

13 years ago. Rating: 0
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