Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla on May 5. The city of Puebla is the epicenter of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico, with traditional food, dancing, and military displays. There are many celebrations and stories surrounding Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May. More than just a historical observance in the U.S., the holiday has become synonymous with celebrating Mexican culture through over-the-top parties and traditions that are not always culturally appropriate. In Mexico, May 5 simply marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, during which Mexico defeated the French in 1862. The story of Cinco de Mayo starts with Napoleon III sending his troops to invade Mexico, citing that the country was indebted to France. The Mexican army was outnumbered two to one, while France had one of the most powerful armed forces in the world at the time. Despite all this, the Mexican soldiers and civilians still managed to defeat them.…