Happy Cinco De Mayo! The Meaning Behind The May 5th Mexican ...

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Happy Cinco de Mayo! The meaning behind the May 5th Mexican celebration

All the facts you need to know about Cinco De Mayo - from food and how to say 'happy 5th of May' in Spanish to where the event comes from

CommentsNewsDaily Mirror07:23, 02 May 2016Updated 10:14, 05 May 2016
Cinco de Mayo takes place on May 5 every year

Cinco de Mayo takes place on May 5 every year(Image: Getty)

Today, millions of people across the world are indulging in Mexican cuisine, culture and music.

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But what is the history behind Cinco de Mayo? And how is it observed by people globally?

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Here, we provide a guide to the event, which takes place on May 5 every year.

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What is Cinco De Mayo?

Cinco De Mayo - Spanish for 'the fifth of May' - marks the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla.

The poorly-equipped army went head-to-head with their larger enemy as they advanced toward Mexico City from Veracruz.

The annual 'Running of the Chihuahuas' event in Washington, DC marks the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo

The annual 'Running of the Chihuahuas' event in Washington, DC marks the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo(Image: Getty)

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Dancers of the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano wait to perform during a May 5th reception at the White House in 2012

Dancers of the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano wait to perform during a May 5th reception at the White House in 2012(Image: Getty)

Mexico had just 4,000 soldiers, compared to France's 8,000, according to historical documents.

But under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, they incredibly managed to triumph over their enemy on May 5, 1862.

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What will happen?

People across the globe will party in honour of Cinco de Mayo, which marks the Mexican army's historic victory more than 150 years ago.

Celebrated widely in the U.S., the event typically includes colourful parades, musical performances and street festivals.

Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a reenactment of the 1862 battle between the French and the Zacapuaxtlas Indians

Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a reenactment of the 1862 battle between the French and the Zacapuaxtlas Indians(Image: Getty)

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It also includes an array of Mexican food dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, guacamole and nachos.

However, it is not to be confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which is held annually on September 16.

Where is it celebrated?

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by Mexicans in countries around the world - but it is most popular in the Mexican state of Puebla.

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Events also take place across the US border with Mexico and other countries ranging from Canada to Australia.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo celebrations on May 5, 2011 in Los Angeles, California(Image: Getty)

The biggest celebrations in the UK are thought to be in London, where hundreds will join in the festivities.

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Parties generally celebrate the nations culture with music, food, drinks and local customs.

So how do you say happy Cinco de Mayo?

There's not much difference - but it's 'Feliz Cinco de Mayo!'

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