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.
