Another fact that might surprise you is that Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more widely in the United States than in Mexico, where it isn't even a national holiday. Mexican observations of the battle are mostly centered around Puebla, but in the U.S., millions attend some kind of Cinco de Mayo celebration every year.
What are we celebrating? President Juarez's recognition of the date in 1862 has become a boisterous commercial event that some say is more about selling beer than honoring history. Many Latino groups would like to see Cinco de Mayo celebrated in more meaningful ways.
It's no secret why so many companies have tried to attach themselves to Cinco de Mayo celebrations. In the United States alone, there are more than 25 million people of Mexican origin, with a combined buying power of $50 billion a year. In fact, Cinco de Mayo parties weren't really seen outside of California until the 1980s, when several major beer companies began to promote the holiday.
Question
Why might advertisers want to become part of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations?
