Final answer:
Cinco de Mayo is commonly misconstrued as Mexican Independence Day; however, it actually commemorates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla, not independence, which is celebrated on September 16th.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many people often mistake Cinco de Mayo for a celebration of Mexican independence when in fact, it is a day that remembers the unlikely victory of the Mexican army over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
While Mexican independence is celebrated on September 16th, Cinco de Mayo has become a symbol of Mexican resistance and heritage, especially among Mexican Americans. It is important to recognize the true historical significance of this day rather than conflating it with Mexican Independence Day.