Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is recognized around the country as a time to celebrate Mexico’s cultural heritage. Like a lot of days earmarked to commemorate a specific idea or event, its origins can be a little murky.

Cinco de Mayo is Monday, May 5. Cinco de Mayo — Spanish for “Fifth of May” — commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Cinco de Mayo — Spanish for “Fifth of May” — commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In 1861, Mexico President Benito Juárez declared a moratorium on foreign debt payments, frustrating European creditors, indirectly leading to France's invasion of Mexico a year later.