Outside of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is barely celebrated in Mexico itself. It was mostly spread here in the U.S. as a partying holiday for gringos through the efforts of the companies that distribute Mexican beer brands in the U.S. The big civic holiday in Mexico is Independence Day, which is coming up on Sept. 16. Celebrations usually begin on the night of Sept. 15, which is when the bell ringing [["The cry of Delores") occurred that announced the proclamation of independence from Spain.