The 5th of May is known as Cinco de Mayo in Spanish. It is also known as
the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, and it is a holiday commemorating a
military victory over Napoleon III's French forces in 1862 that is observed
in some parts of Mexico and the United States.
English, Spanish, and French forces invaded Mexico in 1861 after the country
announced a temporary moratorium on the repayment of foreign debts.
The French remained after the English and Spanish left in April 1862 with
the help of wealthy landowners in an effort to impose a monarchy under Maximilian
of Austria and to restrain U. S. North American dominance.
A poorly-equipped mestizo and Zapotec force led by General Ignacio Zaragoza
defeated French troops on May 5, 1862, southeast of Mexico City, at the Battle
of Puebla; about 1,000 French soldiers perished in the battle.
Despite the fact that fighting persisted and it took another five years for
the French to be expelled, the victory at Puebla came to represent Mexico's
resistance to foreign hegemony.
A museum honoring the conflict is located in the city, which was later renamed
Puebla de Zaragoza, and the actual battleground is still used today as a park.
Although the majority of the rest of the country pays little attention to
the day, it is celebrated in the state of Puebla with parades, speeches, and
battle reenactments.
The Cinco de Mayo holiday became a way for Mexican immigrants in the United
States to promote pride in their Mexican heritage during the middle of the 20th
century.
Contrary to Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16, Cinco
de Mayo is a separate holiday. About 50 years before the Battle of Puebla took
place, the latter holiday was instituted in 1810.
Cinco de Mayo is a topic covered here: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cinco-de-Mayo.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
Work trailers take a beating on the road, at job sites, and in everyday weather. Fleet managers and owner-operators need a plan that keeps their equipment reliable, safe, and ready for the next run. Fleet maintenance tips for work trailers start with building consistent habits and avoiding expensive surprises.