San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) Cinco de Mayo is a minor voluntary holiday in Mexico to commemorate and rejoice Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French forces at the battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is observed in America and some other part of the world as a celebration of Mexican Heritage and pride. The celebration combines food, music and dancing. If you ask me, I would not want anything more than those great Mexican foods and a margarita. But then I have to make sure that there is someone who would drive me home after I have had a margarita.

It is reported that even president Barrack Obama is excited about the Cinco de Mayo festive holiday. He will host a traditional Cinco de Mayo reception in the White House Rose Garden. Here is the detailed history of the Cinco de Mayo.

After the Reform War of 1857-1860, Mexican economy was virtually bankrupt and President Juarez and Mexican Congress declared a suspension for a period of two years in early 1862. England, Spain and France protested against the move but later on the first two reached an agreement with the Mexican diplomats. But Napoleon III, the then ruler of France, saw this as an opportunity to extend his empire to America and decided to attack Mexico. In early 1862 Mexico was invaded by the French. They began from Cordoba and the Veracruz military campaigned towards the center of the republic. A major battle was fought in Acultzingo, on the border of Veracruz and Puebla States. On May 5 general Ignacia Zaragoza’s army fought the French and defeated the French completely and the French were forced to withdraw.