Each year, the fifth of May is a day to celebrate, but how many revelers actually know what they are celebrating? Amongst shots of Patron and platefuls of burritos and enchiladas, the Mexican spirit that helped preserve a nation - the United States - shines through.

On May 5, 1862, French forces tried to overtake the Mexican state of Puebla, which would at the same time threaten to break up the already warring United States. Outnumbered and outmatched, the Mexican army defeated the French, which further prevented European countries from ever attacking again in the Americas.

Instead of becoming oblivious on this day, raise a glass to the Mexican spirit and heritage that is representative of this day.