Cinco de Mayo commemorates the date of Mexico’s 1862 (short-lived) victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, against great odds. Admittedly, in the colonial city of Puebla — where the battle took place — it’s party hearty time with fireworks, parades and — I’m guessing here — an adult beverage or two.

The holiday is always celebrated on May 5. This year, that falls on a Sunday. Cinco De Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla when Mexico defeated the French army. In 1862, French Emperor Napoleon III wanted to claim Mexican territory for himself, so he sent his troops to force Mexico's President Benito Juárez and his government out of Veracruz.

Cinco de Mayo is a very important date in Mexico because it remembers a great battle that occurred in 1862 in the city of Puebla

The true meaning of Cinco de Mayo — a holiday best known as an excuse to drink margaritas, eat tacos and celebrate Mexican Independence Day — couldn’t be farther from the stereotypes. It’s actually a celebration of a Mexican military victory over the French.

Cinco de Mayo is one of the most recognized Mexican holidays in the United States. Here's when it's celebrated and why.