SU physics teacher from Puebla explains the history of Cinco de Mayo

Across the United States, people are celebrating Cinco de Mayo but probably don't know the true meaning behind it.

One theory is that it's Mexico's Independence Day, but It's actually a day to honor the Battle of Puebla.

The Battle of Puebla took place on Cinco de Mayo back in 1862 during the French-Mexican war.

Outnumbered Mexicans were able to persevere and fight off invading French forces.

An SU professor, Gerardo Vazquez, who was born and raised in Puebla sat down with 47 ABC.

Vazquez tells us that Puebla is really the only city and state in Mexico to celebrate the holiday.

He says many residents moved from Puebla to the U.S, which is why it is widely celebrated in our country.

"A lot of people from my state immigrate to the most important cities in the united states that is Los Angeles and New York, so the population of people from my state is very high in those places and they start celebrating the day of Cinco de Mayo," Vazquez says.

Vazquez tells us that in the city of Puebla celebrates the holiday with a huge parade.