10 Facts <br />About Cinco <br />de Mayo.<br />1. The holiday celebrates <br />the 'Battle of Puebla' in 1862.<br />2. At Puebla, Mexico's army surprisingly defeated <br />France's much larger forces.<br />3. Despite the victory, Mexico ended up losing the war against France.<br />4. Mexico began the <br />holiday in 1862, but <br />does not recognize it <br />nationally anymore.<br />5. The U.S. adopted it in 1933 to strengthen its ties with Mexico.<br />6. It became a U.S. national holiday <br />only as recently as 2005.<br />7. California has <br />celebrated it since 1863.<br />8. The official dish of Cinco de Mayo is called 'mole poblano,' a sauce that <br />includes chocolate.<br />9. Countries like Australia and Japan also <br />celebrate Cinco de Mayo now as well.<br />10. The signature dance of Cinco de Mayo <br />is called Baile folklórico and is normally <br />performed with mariachi music
