
Cinco de mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in which Mexican troops defeated Napoleon’s French forces. Contrary to popular belief in the U.S. , it is not the Mexican equivalent to our Fourth of July (Independence Day.) Cinco de mayo is celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico.
If you want to celebrate with your host kids, you can find some activities and info about Mexico here.

Cinco de mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862 Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in which Mexican troops defeated Napoleon’s French forces. A common misconception is that this holiday is the Mexican equivalent to the U.S. 4th of July/Independence Day holiday. That is not the case. Cinco de mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico, it is actually celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico.