On cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, in 1862 a smaller and less equipped Mexican Army defeated the invading French Army in the Battle of Puebla.

Though the date is celebrated regionally in Mexico, the holiday is a popular yearly celebration in the United States.

El Sombrero manager Enrique Arambula said Cinco de Mayo is a misunderstood holiday.

“Most people think it’s Independence Day, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s the Battle of Puebla.”

Arambula said it was a battle between the Mexican Army and the French Army, not the United States.

“I don’t know what the U.S. had to do with it, but they celebrate like they won the battle,” he said.

Cinco de Mayo actually is not a big celebration in Mexico, Arambula said.

“People make a bigger deal of it here,” he said. “It’s just an excuse to drink I guess.”

Arambula said in Mexico they do raise the flag, but it’s just a commemoration.

“Supposedly the French Army came to conquer,” he said. “They came to Mexico to conquer it and then planned to go up to the United States and conquer it.”

Maybe the United States does have a reason to celebrate.

Celebrations in Vicksburg will take place at several restaurants and bars around the city Tuesday.

• El Sombrero and Sol Azteca will offer discounted rates on drinks including 2-for-1 margaritas and beers.

• Martinez Mexican Restaurant will have $2 beers all day, 2-for-1 margaritas, free tequila shots upon request and buy one, get one half off combination dinners.

• Taco Bell is giving away free biscuit tacos from 7–11 a.m.

• 1311 Bar and Grill will have $5 margaritas and $3 Mexican beer. They will also have karaoke and some Mexican cuisine such as tacos, quesadillas and chips and salsa.

• Monsour’s at the Biscuit Company will have 2-for-1 margaritas, taco burgers with chips and salsa and Mexican music.

• Martin’s at Midtown will serve Mexican dishes and Mexican beers Negra Modelo and Pacifica on draft.

• Southern Cultural Heritage Center is hosting a Cinco de Mayo workshop from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

The cost is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Chef William Furlong will demonstrate favorite Latin American dips, dishes, dessert and provide set ups for homemade margaritas. Space is limited and reservations are required.

For more information, call 601-631-2997 or email info@southernculture.org.