Despite its international fame, Cinco de Mayo is only an official holiday in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place, where it's known as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (Day of the Battle of Puebla).
The Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862) was a battle fought at Puebla, Mexico, between the army of the liberal government headed by Benito Juárez and the French forces sent by Napoleon III to establish a French satellite state in Mexico. The battle, which ended in a Mexican victory, is celebrated in the national calendar of Mexican holidays as Cinco de Mayo (5th of May). -Britannica
Festivities have a decidedly militaristic feel and often stretch over several weeks to coincide with the region's mole festival. The mood is both solemnly commemorative and celebratory, with parades featuring charros and escaramuzas -- Mexican cowboys and cowgirls -- re-enactments of the battle, feasting, and much drinking of.... juice. 
Is it appropriate for non-Mexicans to mark the occasion?
As long as you are respectful and aware of what you're actually celebrating, the feeling among my Mexican friends is, yes, join in the festivities. Handily, the date of the fiesta roughly coincides with the UK's early May bank holiday, making it the perfect opportunity for Britons and British-based Mexicans to celebrate with family and friends over the three-day weekend. I'm sure we can all agree, there has never been a better time to gather together to celebrate and cherish the values of Cinco de Mayo. --Nicola Miller, The Guardian
Want to learn how Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated over the years? Check out some articles below to find out!
