By the Numbers: Cinco de Mayo

Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. Public domain.

Contrary to popular opinion, the 5th of May is not Mexican independence day, but instead celebrates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when Mexican troops won a decisive battle against the French.

25.7

Median age of people in the United States of Mexican origin.

47

Percentage of margarita sales among all cocktails sold on May 5, compared to 23 percent on any other day. Twice as much tequila is consumed annually in America than in Mexico.

367

Number of tortilla manufacturers in the U.S. Of that, 116 are in Texas making the “bread of Mexico.”

2,000

Number of Mexican troops that faced 6,000 French troops at the Battle of Puebla.

700,000

Number of U.S. military veterans of Mexican origin.

33.6 million

The number of U.S. residents of Mexican origin.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, history.com