Every year, Cinco de Mayo (May 5 in Spanish) is celebrated across the U.S. in honor of Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1862. Although not as recognized in Mexico, the U.S. has a plethora of traditions used to acknowledge the holiday.

Cinco de Mayo is commonly confused with El Día de Independencia in September, which marks the end of Spain’s rule of Mexico. Although similar in celebration, the two holidays mark very different important historical events.

In America, people attend lively parades and festivals with traditional dancers and mariachi bands. Eating Mexican cuisine is also popular with festival goers. Around 81 million avocados are consumed across the country on Cinco de Mayo.

Many also see the holiday as a time to celebrate with their loved ones at home instead of going out. Families tend to gather for a more laid back time and enjoy the same type of foods eaten at the hectic festivals, but with a more sentimental feel.

Despite being mostly commemorated in the U.S., the city where the battle took place in Mexico uses the holiday to hold a historical celebration. Puebla hosts reenactments of the battle on May 5, which are popular with locals and tourists alike.