Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5th to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.  Wikipedia.

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5 de Mayo has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture.

Celebrations began in Columbia, California, where they have been observed annually since 1862.  The day gained nationwide popularity beyond those of Mexican-American heritage in the 1980s due to advertising campaigns by beer, wine, and tequila;  today Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on pair with the Super Bowl.

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In Mexico, the commemoration of the battle continues to be mostly ceremonial, such as through military parades or battle reenactments.   The city of Puebla marks the event with various festivals and reenactments of the battle.

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Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day- the most important national holiday in Mexico which is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the Cry of Dolores in 1810, which initiated the Mexican War or Independence from Spain.

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Cinco de Mayo has been referenced and featured in entertainment media, and has become an increasingly golbal celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, and heritage.