Learning...

from an unimpeachable source:

Though often mistaken as the Mexican independence day, which is Sept. 16, Cinco de Mayo has historical value. It commemorates the day in 1862 when the Mexican Army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla.

The French? Are you kidding me? You think the British or the Germans declare a holiday every time they trounce the French? They'd have 3-day work weeks. Declaring a national holiday for winning a battle against the French is like throwing a party after beating Temple at football.