Hot News: Cinco de Mayo: Why is it a holiday?

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For many Americans, Cinco de Mayo means enjoying Mexican food and probably a few margaritas as well.

But Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5 in Spanish, is probably one of the most misunderstood Mexican holidays. MORE: Cinco ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

This day is not Mexico's independence day. Mexican independence is celebrated on Sept.16.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.

Mexico had troubles paying back war debts to European countries, and France had come to Mexico to collect that debt. Follow @JolieLeeDC on Twitter.

Ironically, today Cinco de Mayo has become more of an American holiday than a Mexican one. USA NOW Pistorius defense claims he shot out of fear | USA NOW

Post By http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/05/05/cinco-de-mayo-history-mexico/8713403/