the buzz log

Get out your Mexican flags: Today is Mexican Independence Day. But put away the tequila. It's not that holiday. Let us explain.

Mexican Independence Day is sort of serious. It marks the day in 1810 when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for the people of Mexico to rise up against Spanish rule, which led to a 10-year war to break with the monarchy. We of the ex-British colonies can certainly relate.

The day is marked Hidalgo-style with the ringing of church bells and the "cry of independence" in town squares around the country.

But you would notice it's September. So what the heck's the other Mexican celebration that takes place in May in bars across the U.S.? Ah, that would be Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, known to many as the day of margaritas and merry making. Although it's fun, it's actually not an official Mexican holiday (but unofficially, please, have at it). The day commemorates Mexico's victory over the French, and hey, who wouldn't want to celebrate that.

If search is any indication, celebrants are a little unclear on the difference of the two holidays. Lookups on Yahoo! search spiked on "mexican independence day" in one-day searches almost 200%. But related queries for "mexican independence day history," "mexican independence day celebration," "september 16," and "cinco de mayo" were also spicy hot.

So mark your calendar for May 5th, but in the meantime, give a "Vivo Mexico" shout.