A Brief History of Cinco de Mayo

Fiesta!
While Cinco de Mayo is a matter of national pride in Mexico, over the years it's turned into a reason to party hard in the States. (The date is often referred to as the "Mexican St. Patrick's Day.") May 5 is typically a night of big business for bars and parties sponsored by tequila companies, like this recent Jose Cuervo Cinco de Mayo event in New York City. Not coincidentally, Anheuser-Busch launched "Bud Light Lime" on May 5, 2008.

• A Brief History of St. Patrick's Day