It comes as a shock to most Americans to learn that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, so we dive into what it is really all about.

What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? Brush up on its rich history and modern traditions. (And no, it's not Mexico's independence day)

Celebrated annually, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the Second French Empire, led by Napoleon III, at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, hence the name. The holiday is celebrated across the U.S. and in parts of Mexico, particularly in the City of Puebla, where the epic battle took place.