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• May 5, 2008 7:00 pm US/Eastern
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  Cinco de Mayo: The Facts Behind The Festivities

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Cinco de Mayo: The Facts Behind The Festivities

A Look At The Meaning Behind The Mexican Holiday

Reporting
Nicole Brewer

Hundreds of patrons came through the festive front entrance of 'The Mexican Post' Monday as the restaurant opened its doors to celebrate 'Cinco de Mayo.'

For many Americans, the Mexican tradition means celebration … an opportunity to enjoy Mexican-style music, food and cocktails.

Paul Lamothe of Trenton, New Jersey spent his lunch hour enjoying the festivities. He said, "It's a chance to have a beer and some good lunch with some friends."

Still, many Americans have no idea what the 5th of May holiday actually represents.

Drexel student Nancy Murphy said, "I think it is Mexican Independence Day."

Other customers like Amy Kara of Haddon Heights, New Jersey said, "It is one of my friend's birthdays and my brother's anniversary."

Tim Duncan of Roxborough simply said, "I'm not sure what it means."

Even 'The Mexican Post' bartender couldn't come up with the historical meaning for the festivities.

So, here are the facts behind the May 5th festivities …

-'Cinco de Mayo' is not Mexican Independence Day. (That holiday is celebrated from 11 p.m on September 15th through September 16th.)

-'Cinco de Mayo' is a regional Mexican holiday celebrated mostly in the state of Puebla. It commemorates the morning of May 5, 1862 when 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated a strong French army of 8,000 who had come to rule the new Mexican Empire.

So why should Americans celebrate 'Cinco de Mayo?'

Some say the victory kept the French from supplying confederate rebels for another year and allowed the United States to build a strong army. The strengthened U.S. army then defeated the confederates in the Battle of Gettysburg, which ended the Civil War.

So, whether you hail from Puebla or Pennsylvania, we can all celebrate the importance of 'Cinco de Mayo.'

RELATED LINKS:

http://www.mexicanpost.com/

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)