On this day in 1862, an overwhelmed Mexican Army repelled the invading French at the Battle of Puebla. Since then, the Fifth of May has become a staple of America's party calendar—with mixed results. 

Some Cinco de Mayo fans believe fake "bandito" mustaches, pounding cervezas and wearing sombreros are authentic ways to celebrate, but many view these cultural appropriations as disrespectful. Skull makeup and costumes, for example, are meant to celebrate Dia de los Muertos — a November holiday.

For those interested in celebrating Cinco de Mayo conscientiously (while indulging in a much-deserved margarita after a long week), we've put together a short roundup.