Cinco de Mayo?

Call me a Grumpy Gus if you want, but I just don't get the brouhaha over Cinco de Mayo.

As far as I'm aware, the fifth of May has no special significance in US history. There is no holiday, no sanctioned celebrations, etc. So, why is it that we have to observe the Mexican holiday known as Cinco de Mayo?

This holiday commemorates the 1862 Mexican army victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. This so-called holiday has absolutely nothing to do with US history.

Now, I understand about heritage, tradition and cultural celebration; but celebrating a Mexican holiday? Why? Does the country of Mexico celebrate the US Independence day? Do Australians recognize Thanksgiving? Of course they don't! These countries (and every other one out there) celebrate their own holidays in their own unique ways. So, what makes the Hispanic community of the United States so special that a foreign holiday is celebrated on US soil?

I just don't get it.

Don't get me wrong if you believe I am being forced to celebrate this holiday. I know that is certainly not the case. Besides, I can't stand mexican food (eewwww!), I don't drink beer or tequila, and have no close mexican friends. So, I have no reason to celebrate, or even recognize, Cinco de Mayo.

However, I have always wondered why the big deal. From what I've read, few places in Mexico even acknowledge the "holiday." Yet here we are--every year the grocery stores push mexican fare in their ads, merchandisers mount sales campaigns, some communities hold parades, etc...all for a Mexican holiday that has nothing whatsoever to do with United States history.

I just don't get it.