Cinco de Mayo

            The holiday of Cinco De Mayo takes place on the fifth of May. This celebrates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is generally a religious holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, but is also celebrated in other parts of the country and in some U.S. cities with a large Mexican population. It is thought my many people to be Mexico's Independence Day, all though that takes place on September 16.
             Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become popular along the U.S./Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with Mexican heritage. In these areas, the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico. Numerous cities have also been promoting the holiday by selling products and having more services focused on Mexican food, beverage and festive items.
             The colors used for this are red, white, and green which represent the Mexican flag. Whether it's costumes, parade decoration, or difficult food recipes, this day is full of thank fullness and festivity. Parades usually start moving about 11 o"clock, when the first band starts with a lively marching tune. Marchers dressed up as French and Mexican generals lead the way with soldiers following, armed like the original freedom fighters with machetes and old-fashioned rifles. Many wear skirts and flowery hats representing the women who traveled with the army to cook and care for the men. Those portraying French soldiers, carry bags with bottles of wine sticking out of them. At mid-afternoon, the "battle" begins in the plaza. Rifles and cannons go off with a lot of smoke and shouting. At nightfall, the Mexican and French generals meet face-to-face for a sword battle. Of course the Mexican general wins. The fiesta also includes: speeches by government officials, dances and games, music, traditional foods, bullfights, and colorful decorations.