1 Answer

Then what is Cinco de Mayo?

Found it: http://www.history.com/topics/cinco-de-mayo
Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War ...
Isn't this an independence day?

The Grito de Dolores ("Cry of Dolores") also known as El Grito de la Independencia ("Cry of Independence"), was uttered from the small town of Dolores, near Guanajuato on September 16, 1810. It is the event that marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. The "grito" was the pronunciamiento of the Mexican War of Independence by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest. Since October 1825, the anniversary of the event is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day.

Thank you, KOTF. (*~*)

Thanks. Cinco de Mayo is real big here in Texas and is a date that is etched into my mind... Appreciate the input and education....What is Dies y Sies (sp?)

The tradition of the Diez y Seis de Septiembre festival dates back to September 16, 1810, when the impoverished peasants of Mexico, declared their independence from Spain. It would take eleven more years for the country to gain its freedom.
This year the 34th annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta is a two-day fiesta beginning on Sept. 15 through Sept. 16. The call for independence dates back to September 15, 1810, when Fr. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a village priest, who is known as the father of Mexico, gave the call for independence to seek freedom, liberty and equality for all citizens of Mexico.
The tradition of "El Grito" dates back to the night of September 15, 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a village priest, had been moved by the poverty of his parishioners, who, due to the rigid laws imposed by the Spaniards could do little to benefit themselves economically. Defying the laws, Fr. Hidalgo began to instruct his people in crafts and agriculture. He also began to hold meetings at the home of Dona Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez (La Corregidora). Fr. Hidalgo eventually used the meeting to advocate revolution against Spain.
The Spanish government took action, but due to her husband s position as mayor Dona Josefa found out that soldiers had been sent to arrest Fr. Hidalgo, and she sent a message warning him. Thus informed, Fr. Hidalgo decided to move up his plans. Fr. Hidalgo rang the church bells of Dolores, assembled the people of the village, and called for Mexico s independence, life for Mexico, and recognition of the Catholic Church. The assembled crowd of about 600 people took up the battle cry of "Death to the Gachupines(Spaniards)."
On the morning of September 16, 1810, Mexican forces set out to defend their freedom, marching behind two flags featuring La Virgen de Guadalupe, Mexico s patron saint and the other flag bearing the colors of red, white, and green which is still Mexico's flag colors.
Father Hidalgo would not live to see his vision become a reality. Hidalgo was captured and killed within six months. His head was cut off and displayed for ten years in Guanajuato, Mexico.
In memory of the long struggle for independence from Spanish rule, the week of September 16 marks the Fiestas Patrias (patriotic festivals) with music, dancing, and traditional foods. For Hispanics of Mexican decent, the fiestas provide an opportunity to experience the cultural traditions and the rich heritage of this annual festival.