In Anchorage, Cinco De Mayo Gets People Talking

Holiday commemorates 1862 Battle of Puebla.

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: May 5, 2012 at 10:23 AM AKDT

Story Updated: May 5, 2012 at 10:23 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - The iconic margarita, flags and Mexican food: These are a few must-have items needed to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

It’s a Mexican national holiday known as "drinko de mayo" to many Americans.

“They go out regardless what it means or what it is,” said Carlos Gomez, owner of Pancho’s Villa in Anchorage.

There are also plenty of misconceptions about it. Many believe it’s Mexico’s independence day, but it’s not.

Mexico’s independence from Spain was won on September 16th, back in 1810.

Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's short-lived victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5th, 1862.

“It was a success in war terms, because the French army was the best in the world at that time,” said Javier Abud-Osuna, diplomat with the Consulate of Mexico in Anchorage.

Historians say it wasn't until the turn of the century, in the 1950s, when celebrations began to take place and it was eventually recognized as a holiday across the country.

Even though some may feel it's exploited, Mexican Americans say it at least gets people talking about the holiday while enjoying a margarita.
 

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bobbing for apples said on Sunday, May 6 at 9:16 AM

Just another excuse for a boozer is all. It recognized for what it is, other than to drink and get stupid.

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TedtheBear said on Tuesday, Jul 17 at 8:29 AM

Foreign holiday is an excuse to drink and party,eh? We should adopt them all and we will all be drinking and partying 365 times per year. Actually, the best armies in the world in 1862 probably belonged to the armies of the Union and the Confederacy. That 1862 French army was only eight years away from being totally overwhelmed by the Germans.

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