Every May 5 commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which marks the victory of the Mexican army against the French invasion, the first time it successfully confronted a foreign power since its independence.

This is a celebration where families gather to celebrate with typical Mexican dishes and drink tequila, which is the country's most popular drink.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by Mexicans in the United States (especially those living in California, Texas and Southern Arizona and New Mexico) as Latino Pride Day, acquiring a different relevance from the historical significance of the date.

This date gained momentum during the 1960s, when Chicano activists began looking for a way to honor their history and culture. Today, the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held in U.S. cities with large Hispanic populations, such as Los Angeles, which each year attracts hundreds of thousands of people to its Fiesta Broadway festival.

Cinco de Mayo in Philly 

This year in Philadelphia, Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated at various restaurants and bars that will offer discounts on some of their special menus. 

Revolution Taco will offer some specials available only on May 5: its chicken chorizo queso fundido ($5.55) and a mango and lychee margarita mixer ($4.99, bring your own tequila). In addition, its Center City location will offer a complimentary michelada with food orders (offered all day, one per customer), with a $10 purchase.

From 4 to 9 p.m. on May 5, Philadelphians can head to Sor Ynez for an event packed with live music, food and drink specials, and a snow cone machine that will serve both regular and alcoholic options. 

Manatawny will celebrate the holiday with the launch of its new gin aged in tequila barrels. Philadelphians can head to the brand's tasting room on East Passyunk on May 5 to sample cocktails featuring the new gin and churros (with chocolate and dulce de leche) from 5 to 10 p.m.

Other restaurants in the city will also offer special menus throughout the weekend with live music celebrating Latinidad.