Cinco de Mayo, also called the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, is marked annually on May 5. Even though this is a Mexican holiday, it is popularly celebrated in the United States.
On this day in 1862, the Mexican military won over the French forces of Napoleon III. This day honors the Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in those areas with large Mexican-American populations.
Sometimes, Cinco de Mayo is confused with Mexican Independence Day, which falls on Sept. 16.
Here are some quotes, taken from Poem Of Quotes, to celebrate the Mexican holiday:
1. "For children, diversity needs to be real and not merely relegated to learning the names of the usual suspects during Black History Month or enjoying south-of-the-border cuisine on Cinco de Mayo. It means talking to and spending time with kids not like them so that they may discover those kids are in fact just like them." — John Ridley
2. "Cinco de Mayo is an important day. The Mexicans had to defend themselves from the French. It is historically significant, but it is not Mexican Independence Day." — Kuno Becker
3. "People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing." — Walter H. Judd
4. "Cinco de Mayo has come to represent a celebration of the contributions that Mexican Americans and all Hispanics have made to America." —Joe Baca
5. "Despite Latinos’ best efforts to explain the true story behind Cinco de Mayo, it seems nothing will stop fraternities and the general American public from turning the holiday into an excuse to get turnt up. But we refuse to surrender!" — Carolina Moreno
6. "I don't drink anymore for Cinco de Mayo. I celebrate with Mexican food, or as it's known in Mexico: 'food.'" — Craig Ferguson
7. "I can think of many reasonable excuses for needing a cocktail, but Cinco de Mayo is always a no-brainer." — Rachel Hollis
8. "You know you're cool when it's Cinco de Mayo and you're in your pjs…Sober…"– Sarah Hyland
9. "True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else." – Clarence Darrow.
10. "Honor to the soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause." – Abraham Lincoln.
Cinco de Mayo isn't just about margaritas and quesadillas. Pictured: A celebration in the Mexican state of Puebla. Photo: Reuters
