Cinco de Mayo: What to Know About the Mexican Holiday
If you’ve ever heard of Cinco de Mayo but aren’t quite sure what it’s all about, you’re not alone! Let’s break down what this day means.
At its heart, Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated every year on May 5th. It commemorates a specific, surprising historical event: a victory by the Mexican army over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It marks a significant, against-the-odds moment in Mexican history. It’s often seen, especially outside of Mexico, as a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.
The History Behind the Holiday
The story of Cinco de Mayo starts in the 1860s. Mexico had financial troubles after a war and temporarily stopped making payments on debts owed to European countries, including France. France decided to send an army to Mexico to try and collect the money and perhaps gain more influence.
In 1862, the French army, considered one of the best and most powerful in the world, began marching inland towards Mexico City.
The Battle of Puebla
On May 5th, 1862, near the city of Puebla, a much smaller and less-equipped Mexican force, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, stood in their way. Against most expectations, the Mexican soldiers fought bravely and managed to defeat the larger French army in the Battle of Puebla!
This battle wasn’t a long conflict. The main fighting on that day actually only lasted for several hours, essentially from around noon to late afternoon, when the French were forced to retreat.
While this single victory didn’t win the entire war (the French did eventually occupy Mexico City later), it was a huge morale booster for Mexico. It was a powerful symbol of Mexican resistance and determination against a foreign power. The holiday, Cinco de Mayo, was established specifically to commemorate this unlikely victory on that day in 1862.
Cinco de Mayo in Mexico vs. The U.S.
This is where things get interesting, as Cinco de Mayo is celebrated differently depending on where you are.
In Mexico, especially outside of the state of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is often more of a minor holiday. It’s remembered as an important historical date, and you might see some civic ceremonies or school events. However, it’s generally a regular workday and not a major public festival across the whole country.
In the state of Puebla, though, they go all out! There are large parades, speeches, and even reenactments of the battle to honor the historical event that happened there.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is actually much more widely and visibly celebrated than in most of Mexico. Its popularity grew in the U.S. starting with Mexican immigrants in California during the Civil War era, who saw the Puebla victory as a symbol of freedom. Later, it became a key day to celebrate Mexican-American culture and heritage, expressing pride in their roots. Over time, it was also embraced by businesses as a fun day for promotions.
Today, Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. is celebrated across the country with lively events like parades, festivals, and parties, focusing on enjoying Mexican culture, food, music, and dancing. For many in the U.S., it’s become a general day to appreciate and enjoy Mexican culture.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Not Independence Day!
One of the most common mix-ups is confusing Cinco de Mayo with Mexico’s Independence Day. Just to be clear: they are two completely different holidays!
- Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) celebrates the Battle of Puebla victory in 1862.
- Mexican Independence Day celebrates the start of Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain back in September 16th, 1810.
Mexican Independence Day on September 16th is truly the most significant national holiday in Mexico, a huge nationwide celebration, unlike Cinco de Mayo. The confusion likely happens because both relate to Mexican history and resistance, and Cinco de Mayo is often the Mexican holiday most widely known outside of Mexico.
Cultural Aspects: Food
A delicious part of Cinco de Mayo, especially in celebrations in the U.S., is the food! While all sorts of Mexican dishes are enjoyed, Mole Poblano is particularly associated with the holiday because it comes from the state of Puebla, the location of the battle. Mole Poblano is a famous, complex sauce made with many ingredients, often including chilies, spices, nuts, and sometimes a touch of chocolate, making it a special, celebratory dish linked directly to the region the holiday commemorates.
Cinco de Mayo in 2025
Today, on May 5th, 2025, we mark the anniversary of that historic battle in 1862. Celebrations this year are following the usual patterns. In the U.S., you’ll see cultural festivities happening in many cities. In Mexico, the primary focus is on the historical observance, especially in Puebla, with less emphasis on nationwide parties.
Related Topics
It’s worth noting that cultural celebrations like Cinco de Mayo can sometimes be viewed through the lens of current events. Discussions around topics like immigration policies can occasionally add another layer of meaning for the communities celebrating the holiday in the United States, potentially influencing how people feel or choose to participate, sometimes making it an even stronger expression of cultural pride.
