Commonly misconstrued with Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory in the battle of Pueblea on May 5th 1862, with the victory becoming a sense of pride for the country.

In 1933, instead of building a wall, President Roosevelt enacted the “Good Neighbor Policy” to improve relations with Latin American countries, and thus popularizing Cinco de Mayo as we know it.

Much more than just a day full of tequila and nachos, Cinco de Mayo is a day for people of Mexican heritage living in the United States to celebrate their culture, and to show their gratitude for those who fought.

It’s easy to show your gratitude for our friends and neighbors of Mexican decent that help make our country and our lives richer each day, simply celebrate. Soak in the culture, enjoy the cuisine, or dance to the music.

Gratitude doesn’t only have to be a feeling we feel after receiving a gift, it can simply be something we share with one another.

And let’s not forget the margaritas, we can all agree we’re grateful for those.