SAN JOSE, California (The Adobo Chronicles, San Francisco Bureau) – It’s celebration time.  But first, let’s get this out of the way: Americans and people worldwide think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. That’s farthest from the truth.  Additionally, it is not celebrated nationwide in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

This year, Cinco De Mayo falls on May 5th.

Let’s celebrate!