<P> On May 9, 1862, President Juárez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday regarded as "Battle of Puebla Day" or "Battle of Cinco de Mayo". </P> <P> Today, the commemoration of the battle is not observed as a national holiday in Mexico (i.e. not a statutory holiday). However, all public schools are closed nationwide in Mexico on May 5 . The day is an official holiday in the State of Puebla, where the Battle took place, and also a full holiday (no work) in the neighboring State of Veracruz . </P> <P> In Puebla, historical reenactments, parades, and meals take place to commemorate the battle . Parade participants dress as French and Mexican soldiers to reenact the battle . Every year the city also hosts the Festival Internacional de Puebla, which gathers national and international artists, traditional musicians and dancers . As well as the Festival Internacional del Mole, with an emphasis on the city's iconic mole poblano . </P> <P> In Mexico City, military commemoration is occasionally held at the Campo Marte . A street, Avenida Cinco de Mayo, in the Historic Center of Mexico City was named after the battle in 1862 by Benito Juárez . </P>

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