Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) commemorates the 1862 defeat of the French by Mexico. People of Mexican descent in the United States celebrate this significant day with many festive activities. Many Hispanic newspapers and magazines and various other publications celebrate Cinco de Mayo by printing special issues that focus on Mexican heritage, influential Mexican-Americans and community events. With more than 20 million Mexican-Americans in the U.S. comprising 7% of this country's total population, advertising around Cinco de Mayo and other significant dates in the Mexican-American community is important for advertisers to show their knowledge and appreciation for other cultures.