Gondolas called trajineras in the canals of Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico (© Orbon Alija/Getty Images)

Gondolas called trajineras in the canals of Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico (© Orbon Alija/Getty Images)

Cinco de Mayo in Xochimilco

This aerial view comes from Xochimilco, a borough of Mexico City that's famous for its canals, leftover from a lake and canal system that once connected settlements in the Valley of Mexico. The canals are best explored from these colorful gondola-like boats known as a trajineras, floating past artificial islands that were once used for agriculture.

We think the Xochimilco canals would be a fine place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo today. While Americans often confuse the holiday with Mexico's Independence Day, it's actually the anniversary of Mexico's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The victory was especially significant because the Mexicans overcame France despite having a much smaller, less equipped army. When France later took Mexico City, the Battle of Puebla remained a source of Mexican pride and hope during the occupation.