Cinco de Mayo is on Wednesday, May 5, 2027, and it falls on May 5 every year. It commemorates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the U.S., it has grown into a celebration of Mexican-American culture.
When Is Cinco de Mayo?
It’s always May 5; the name is Spanish for “Fifth of May.” It isn’t a federal holiday in the U.S. or a national holiday in Mexico, though Puebla state marks it widely.
What Happened at the Battle of Puebla?
In 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez stopped paying interest on debts owed to several countries, including France. France, under Napoleon III, responded by invading Mexico. French forces took the port city of Campeche on February 27, 1862, and moved inland.
On May 5, 1862, General Ignacio Zaragoza led about 4,000 Mexican troops against a French army of about 8,000 at Puebla. The Mexican army won, the Smithsonian notes. The French had not lost a battle in 50 years.
The victory didn’t end the war. France later took control, but the win at Puebla became a lasting symbol of Mexican resistance.
How it became an American tradition
Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. began during the Civil War. Latinos in California read about Puebla in Spanish-language newspapers, UCLA scholar David Hayes-Bautista says.
They “held huge parades to let the world know that Latinos oppose slavery, supported freedom,” he explains. Some Californios even went to Mexico to fight with Juárez’s army, while other Latinos joined the U.S. Army.
The holiday’s meaning shifted over time. By the early 20th century, Hayes-Bautista says, mariachi music and dancing had become central to the celebrations. He argues Cinco de Mayo grew up in California rather than being brought by later immigrants.
What Does Cinco de Mayo Celebrate?
In Mexico, it honors a historic military victory, mostly in Puebla. In the U.S., it has become a celebration of Mexican-American heritage, with music, dance and food. Britannica describes it as an occasion for Mexican people to show pride in their culture, and cities such as Denver host large festivals.
It’s often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, but that’s September 16, which marks the start of the independence movement in 1810.
How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
- Learn the history: read about the Battle of Puebla and General Ignacio Zaragoza.
- Support Mexican-owned businesses: eat at a family-run restaurant or shop at a local mercado.
- Attend a festival: many U.S. cities host parades with mariachi music and folklórico dance.
- Cook a Puebla dish: try mole poblano or chiles en nogada, both closely linked to the region.
- Celebrate responsibly: if you serve margaritas or beer, keep it to guests 21 and older, offer non-alcoholic aguas frescas and arrange safe rides home.
- Listen and learn: attend a talk or museum program on Mexican and Mexican-American history.
- Skip the costumes: fake mustaches and sombrero costumes can come across as mocking the culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day?
No. Mexican Independence Day is September 16. Cinco de Mayo marks a single battle won in 1862.
Is Cinco de Mayo a big holiday in Mexico?
Not nationally. Celebrations are most widespread in Puebla state, where the battle took place.
Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the U.S.?
Latino communities in California began celebrating it in the 1860s as a stand for freedom. It later grew into a celebration of Mexican-American culture.