History

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for [|Mexico's Independence Day]—the most important national holiday in Mexico—which is celebrated on September 16. media type="youtube" key="QIICWQyK72Y" width="560" height="315" How to celebrate Step 1: Learn about the significance of Cinco de Mayo. The French Army was considered the greatest military force on the globe, having remained undefeated for 50 years. The Mexican forces were outnumbered (4,500 vs. 6,040) yet after being attacked, they suffered far fewer losses (83 Mexicans died, 462 French died).The victory in battle is the primary reason for celebration in Mexico, while Cinco de Mayo in the United States has come to be a time to celebrate Mexican culture. Cinco de Mayo is also a great opportunity to talk to some of the more elder Hispanic members of your community. Ask them where they immigrated from, what they do for a living, and what their Mexican heritage means to them.
 * History on Cinco De Mayo **
 * Celebrates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla May 5, 1862.
 * In 1861, Mexican President Benito Juarez suspended payment of all foreign debts.
 * France, ruled at the time by Napoleon III, invaded Mexico in response.
 * Mexican soldiers were outnumbered 2 to 1 by the better-equipped French army

Step 2: Dress up for the holiday. You can incorporate the colors green, white, and red (the colors of the Mexican flag) into your outfit. Draping the Mexican flag around your shoulders is also another easy way to bring the Cinco de Mayo spirit to a party. You can also wear clothes inspired by Mexican traditions, or actually designed by Mexican clothing designers.

Step 3: Play Mexican style music. The best Cinco de Mayo party idea is to hire a mariachi band. This is a group of traditionally dressed Mexicans who will play music that accompanies the holiday. If you have some spare money to use for the party, feel free to visit websites to hire a mariachi band near you.

Step 4:  Put up Mexican-style decorations. This might mean red, white and green streamers (colors of the Mexican flag). Purchase a Mexican flag at your nearest department, or party prop store to hang around your room. Brightly colored tableware can also be purchased to serve food on.

Step 5:

 Dance around with friends and family. The best known Cinco de Mayo themed dance is the Mexican Hat Dance. However, there are other Latin-style dances such as the salsa, rumba, or folk-lorico. You can hire a professional to teach the partygoers multiple Mexican style dances. There are also numerous videos on YouTube which will teach you some simple Latin dance routines.

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