Cinco de Mayo is back, so bring on colourful celebrations and a good old knees up on the famous Mexican day.
The celebration is being celebrated mainly in its native home of Mexico, but Mexican expats will also be taking part in the worldwide party, especially in the US.
It is different to Mexican independence, which is celebrated on September 16 each year and commemorates the end to Spanish rule in the country. The reason behind Cinco de Mayo is far different.
Over time, the day has become commercialised and is now a regular part of the calendar for shops and bars that specialise in selling deals on Mexican tequila and hold themed nights.
So how did the day start and why is it celebrated on May 5?
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Battle of Puebla in Mexico, in 1862, and is not a celebration of the country's independence day.
The French, under Napoleon III, invaded Mexico over a lack of repaid debt, but a heavily outnumbered Mexican force was able to repel the French invaders during this battle.
The battle is said to have lifted the spritis of Mexican resistance, though was not decisive and French troops were in the country until 1867.
Mexican expats celebrated the victory in the US in the same month when they heard news of the battle and official celebrations were adopted a year after. As a result, the date may well have more significance in the US, than in Mexico.
History explained: "While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations."
It also gained significance during the 1960s civil rights movement in America, in which the lack of rights - for minorities were highlighted on a wide scale among the US public.
In 2005, the US Congress called for the observance of Cinco de Mayo.
When is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo means simply “Fifth of May", so this is the date the celebration takes place every year.
It is generally celebrated in Puebla and the US. In Puebla, thousands of locals help to reenact the battle and take part in a huge parade with some dressing as French and American soldiers. It is known as s El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (Day of the Battle of Puebla).
Despite the historical significance of the day behind the celebration, it has become something of an excuse for a few drinks among some Mexican-Americans over the years.
When drinking on the day dubbed 'cinco de drinko', you can mark the occasion with also sorts of cocktails and drinks. It might just be best to stick with tequila as a safe bet.
