When 5 de mayo became a “thing” in the USA?

It’s one of my favorite Holidays, cause I am from south America and I love Mexican food, especially rice, and beans.

Cinco de Mayo, which means “Fifth of May” in Spanish, is a holiday that celebrates a military victory by the Mexican army over French forces in the city of Puebla in 1862.

Although Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it has become a popular celebration in the United States, especially among Mexican-American communities. The holiday is a way to celebrate Mexican culture, history, and pride.

In 1862, during the Civil War, the United States was divided and weakened, and the Confederacy was gaining strength. France saw this as an opportunity to gain territory in Mexico, which was struggling with its own political instability. The French army, which was much larger and better equipped than the Mexican army, invaded Mexico and made its way to the city of Puebla.

Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, was able to successfully defend the city against the French forces. The victory was a significant moment in Mexican history and a symbol of resilience and determination.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo became a popular holiday among Mexican-American communities in the 1960s, during the Chicano movement, which was a civil rights movement that aimed to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in many parts of the United States with parades, parties, and festivals. People often wear traditional Mexican clothing, eat Mexican food like tacos and guacamole, and drink margaritas or other festive drinks.

So, that’s how Cinco de Mayo became a holiday in the USA – it’s a way to celebrate Mexican culture, history, and pride, and it has become a fun and festive occasion for many people across the country.