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Cinco de Mayo: The Truth Behind The National Holiday

Each May 5th, millions of Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but most don’t know what they’re actually commemorating. Today, we’re covering the real history of Cinco de Mayo, sharing surprising facts, and offering ways to celebrate that go beyond the margaritas. 

What is Cinco de Mayo? Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “the fifth of May”) marks the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. It is not Mexico’s Independence Day.  

The History of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, and that’s one of the most widespread myths about the holiday. México’s true independence day, Día de la Independencia, is celebrated on September 16. 

What Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates is the Battle of Puebla, fought on May 5, 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. Outnumbered Mexican forces under General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French Imperial Army, a military force considered one of the strongest in the world at the time. While the battle wasn’t a conclusive turning point in the war, it was a profound symbolic victory that galvanized Mexican resistance and national pride. 

The first Cinco de Mayo celebration was held on May 27, 1862, as news of the battle spread. The following year, the commemoration moved to May 5th, and the date has been observed ever since. 

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo gained cultural momentum in the 1960s as a symbol of Mexican-American identity and pride. In 2005, the U.S. Congress officially recognized the observance of Cinco de Mayo. Today, it is celebrated more widely in the United States than in Mexico itself, where it’s not a federal holiday and is observed primarily in the state of Puebla.  

10 Facts About Cinco de Mayo You Probably Didn’t Know

  1.  Only 1 in 10 people know that Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. 
  1. 40% of Americans mistakenly believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day; t’s actually September 16. 
  1. Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico. It’s most prominently observed in Puebla, the city where the historic battle took place. 
  1. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy of 1933 helped strengthen U.S.-Latin American relations and laid cultural groundwork for Cinco de Mayo’s embrace in America. 
  1. Traditional Cinco de Mayo festivities include street festivals, live mariachi music, folklórico dancing, and large public gatherings. 
  1. Mole Poblano, a rich, complex sauce originating from Puebla, is considered the signature dish of Cinco de Mayo celebrations. 
  1. Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston host some of the largest Cinco de Mayo festivals in the United States. 
  1. While rooted in the Battle of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, and community. 
  1. Cinco de Mayo is observed internationally, including in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. 
  1. Americans purchase approximately 87 million pounds of avocados for Cinco de Mayo, more than any other single occasion during the year.  

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Learn the Real History

The most meaningful way to celebrate is to understand what you’re commemorating. Read about the Battle of Puebla, General Zaragoza, and the Franco-Mexican War. The Smithsonian offers an excellent deep dive into the real history of Cinco de Mayo

Cook (or Order) Authentic Mexican Food

Food is one of the most powerful entry points into any culture. Try making tacos, tamales, guacamole, elotes, or the holiday’s signature dish, mole poblanoFood Network’s Cinco de Mayo recipe roundup includes 34 recipes to get you started.  

Prefer to leave the cooking to someone else? Support a local Mexican restaurant instead. 

Experience Mexican Music and Dance

Mariachi, cumbia, salsa, and folklórico are all part of the celebration. Look for local dance classes, cultural performances, or street festivals in your city. Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston are especially known for large-scale public events. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinco de Mayo

What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French Imperial forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 

Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico’s Independence Day?

No. Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16, known as Día de la Independencia. This is one of the most common misconceptions about Cinco de Mayo. 

Is Cinco de Mayo a federal holiday in Mexico?

No. Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico. It’s most widely observed in the state of Puebla and is actually celebrated more broadly in the United States. 

Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the U.S.?

Cinco de Mayo became a significant cultural touchstone for Mexican-Americans in the 1960s. It has since grown into a mainstream American celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, officially recognized by Congress in 2005. 

When was the first Cinco de Mayo celebration?

The first celebration was held on May 27, 1862, shortly after news of the Battle of Puebla spread. It moved to May 5th the following year. 

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