On May 5, 1862, Mexico did not celebrate its Independence Day, but it was the day that Mexico actually celebrated the unlikely victory over French forces at the Batalia de Puebla, or The Battle of Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated in Mexico ever since with traditional dishes, piñatas for children and dancing in the streets to commemorate the beginning of freedom for the country.

“Normally, big families make chili rellenos or mole, which are more traditional because mole is from Puebla,” said Daniel Maciel, Old Mexico owner. “Every state you have a different tradition in Mexico. They dance in plazas in the center of the city with music.”

According to Maciel, the day is typically celebrated to a certain degree, but it is not quite to the level of America’s Independence Day.

Additionally, whereas the citizens of Puebla celebrate the day wholeheartedly, the rest of Mexico only somewhat celebrates the day. Maciel said America seems to celebrate the holiday a little more.

Maciel said Cinco de Mayo was the beginning of a revolution to overtake the French in 1862, and he is happy to continue that celebration here in Butler County.

“There’s a little piece of Mexico right in Butler County,” Maciel said. “I think it’s one of the best things right here, because people love the food.”