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The holiday of Cinco de Mayo, or fifth of May, commemorates the victory of a small poorly equipped Mexican militia over the Napolean-backed larger French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. In Mexico, it is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state of Puebla and it's capital city of the same name. It is especially celebrated in the cities of the United States with a large Mexican population. It is not Mexican Independence Day, as many people think. That day is celebrated September 10.
It has become a huge commercial success in the U.S., and food and beverage vendors now promote it as vigorously as other holidays. The food, music and dance of the Mexican culture is on display at festivals. It is a great opportunity to sample the culture and enjoy the pride of an ever-growing part of our community. I think it helps those Mexicans who are away from their cultural homes to remain connected. The celebrations are colorful, happy, sensory bombardments that are a delight to behold. I love especially seeing the little boys in embroidered black pants and white shirts, hair gleaming and slicked into place, dancing with colorfully outfitted tiny girls with huge paper flowers in their hair.
Cultural pride, great food, and dancing children; these need no interpretation. It is international language.
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