It might seem odd but this is a holiday that I knew nothing about growing up. It wasn't something that my family celebrated or was even aware of. This is probably due to the fact that my family was here in the U.S. long before May 5, 1862. Even with that most Chicanos growing up during the 1960's had a half ass knowledge of Cinco de mayo. Most thought it was Mexican Independence day. Most of the knowledge we had came from city events, usually a small parade and carnival. It somehow evolved into a large scale drinking and partying holiday.

That changed during the mid 1970's when a new wave of Mexican immigrants, both legal and illegal began the trek northward. Along with a generation that actually did not assimilate quite as easily or willingly as the generations that preceded them. It was a conscious choice. Many of the newer generations have remained loyal to Mexico, despite the fact that they were born in the U.S. Not all, but enough to cause a shift in the Chicano culture, which eventually became a minority within a minority.

Along with the cultural change came a new wave of Mexican food. Things like Ceviche, and Marisco's (Mexican Seafood) were not part of mainstream Mexican America food. The hard shell taco (sometimes called a Gringo Taco) is actually a Tex-Mex invention, along with fajitas. Now when someone says "taco" you usually think of a soft shell corn tortilla with carne asada or carnitas or some other delicious meat. For guys like me, the hard shell taco is big part of my family memories. My wife Jeri, still prefers and cooks tacos this way.

I learned to love and enjoy all Mexican food. My daughter Meranda once asked me "Dad, did you learn to cook Mexican food from grandma'? The answer was 'No". I taught my self everything when it comes to authentic Mexican food. My mother is old school Mexican American, and while her food might or might not be considered authentic Mexican. it is 100% authentic Chicano cooking.

It used to bug me when someone would come up to me a greet me with "Happy Cinco de Mayo". Especially if I didn't know the person. I usually just said "Thank You" but I could have cared less. Over the years I have come to embrace and respect Mexican culture including "Cinco de Mayo".

Now, having said all that there are times when, if I am drunk enough, and perhaps listening to Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Juan Mendoza or Vincente Fernandez, and surrounded by family and friends, and feeling good, I'll let out a grito (A yell or a howl), and suddenly I am as Mexican as Pancho Villa. Go figure!

This celebrates a small battle where a French force was defeated by a Mexican force on May 5, 1862. The celebration is only a local affair in Mexico, but has grown in the USA with the ballooning Mexican population celebrating its heritage.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's independence from France. It's also about...screw this let's all eat tacos and burritos, score!

Celebration of one of the first outright military defeats of a European army at the hands of a mostly non-white indigenous force. A good excuse to watch Three Mules for Sister Sara if nothing else. Probably has more importance in states like California.

I would bet a good 85% of the population does not even know what they are celebrating. Why do we celebrate a Mexican holiday in the USA, do we really need another excuse to eat.

Another excuse for people to get drunk, only this time on Corona and Dos Equis... but seriously, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independance Day - it's to celebrate a battle that took place between the French and Mexican armies in the town of Puebla. Mexico was lead by a general from a region of Mexico what would later be known as Texas - the Mexican army was decidedly under armed - fighting with machetes against what was one of the world's most sophisticated armies at the time.

Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated here in Cincinnati, despite our traditional lack of a Hispanic population. As with some other spots in America, bars have cleverly promoted this day as an excuse to drink lots of margaritas, and partygoers have embraced that concept. The cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is still not that well known here. It is a Mexican holiday that commemorates their victory over French soldiers (Napoleon III had started planning an Empire of Mexico). Nothing against France, but I will be having a margarita with a few friends tonight, because I like Latin culture and could use an extra holiday.

Cinco de Mayo is a National Holiday in Mexico,commenorating the Mexican army's defeat of French forces on May 5,1862 in the battle of Puebla.Many American have misconception that it's Mexican Independence Day. It's not. For those you said its just another day to drink. It may true of some. But there's people that drink everyday. What holidays do call it.:)

No need for this.

hey, I just like saying it.

Another excuse for people to get drunk, only this time on Corona and Dos Equis.

This has to be the most retarded Holiday. It celebrates Mexico's independence from Spain,right? Independence was a good thing?? To all the people celebrating and partying on this day in my town, who I'm sure have no idea what the hell it even means, it's kind of like me going to Germany to celebrate the Fourth of July !!!

This is America, so who cares about it? Besides the millions upon millions of illegal Mexicans grabbing welfare and tax dollars.

Unfortunately, Cinco de Mayo isn't Mexico's Independence Day (despite popular belief). September 17th is. It is really a holiday that Mexicans are proud of because they won a victory over an invading army against overwhelming odds. Though there is unarguably an immigration problem in America, it is uncalled for to make reference to 10 million illegal Mexicans caring about the holiday. It's not a major holiday that closes public busniesses, so let the people celebrate it because it's part of their culture.

I think that Cinco de Mayo is the day that Mexico gained its independence from France(?)or Germany, or maybe Canada. Regardless, it gets too much air play in southern U.S. border states, and means absolutely nothing to anyone, except for department stores, who will use anything as an excuse for a "sale". Ranks at the bottom of the pile of stupid "holidays".

I really don't know what happened on this date in history, but I will bet that with the rapid increase of hispanic population in the United States of America I will someday be forced to learn about this holiday just like many are being forced to learn to speak Spanish now!!! (Somebody post on here what happened on this 5th of May so I can get a jump start on it before I am forced into it will you please?)