Did you know that Cinco de Mayo isn't in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, as many people believe, but actually to commemorate the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla? In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a voluntary holiday, and is mostly celebrated in the state of Puebla. In the U.S. and other parts of the world, the date of Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Cinco de Mayo celebrations combine music, food and dancing.