10 Facts <br />About Cinco de Mayo 1. The holiday celebrates <br />the 'Battle of Puebla' in 1862. 2. At Puebla, Mexico's army surprisingly defeated <br />France's much larger forces. 4. Mexico began the <br />holiday in 1862, but <br />does not recognize it <br />nationally anymore. 5. The U.S. adopted it in 1933 to strengthen its ties with Mexico. 6. It became a U.S. national holiday <br />only as recently as 2005. 8. The official dish of Cinco de Mayo is called 'mole poblano,' a sauce that <br />includes chocolate. 9. Countries like Australia and Japan also <br />celebrate Cinco de Mayo now as well. 10. The signature dance of Cinco de Mayo <br />is called Baile folklórico and is normally <br />performed with mariachi music.
