Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5 every year, the day Mexico won over the Second French Empire in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "fifth of May" in Spanish, commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. “It's the French under Napoleon who sent their troops into Mexico," said Alexander Aviña, associate professor of history at Arizona State University.

The United States is gearing up for Cinco de Mayo. Music, all-day happy hours and deals on tacos are planned at venues across the country on Sunday — May 5 — in a celebration with widely misunderstood origins that is barely recognized south of the border.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862.

The Mexican holiday actually marks the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

But what exactly does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? Brush up on its rich history and modern traditions below. Many people tend to confuse Cinco de Mayo with “Día de la Independencia,” or Mexico’s Independence Day.

Several restaurants are offering deals for Cinco de Mayo such as Chili's, TGI Fridays, Chipotle, and Bar Louie.