National Cinco de Mayo Day
Cinco de Mayo, meaning “Fifth of May” in Spanish, is a celebration commemorating Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, it has evolved into a widespread celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States.
Quick Facts
When is it?: May 5th annually
Tagged as: Mexican Cultural Celebration
What’s the hashtag?: #CincoDeMayo
When was it founded?: 1862
Who founded it?: President Benito Juárez
History of Cinco de Mayo
The holiday originated from Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla, where an outnumbered Mexican army defeated French forces. While the battle wasn’t a major strategic win, it became a symbol of Mexican resistance and pride. In the United States, the celebration gained popularity during the 1960s Chicano Movement and became more commercialized in the 1980s.
Timeline
- 1862: Battle of Puebla victory over French forces
- 1863: First US celebrations in California
- 1933: FDR’s Good Neighbor Policy boosted recognition
- 1960s: Gained popularity during Chicano Movement
- 2005: US Congress declared official observance
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | May 5 | Friday |
| 2029 | May 5 | Saturday |
| 2030 | May 5 | Sunday |
How Cinco de Mayo is Observed
The day is celebrated with Mexican cultural festivals, parades, traditional music, and authentic cuisine. In Puebla, Mexico, people hold historical reenactments of the battle. In the United States, cities organize large-scale festivals featuring mariachi bands, traditional dancing, and Mexican food.
Fun Facts About Cinco de Mayo
- Americans consume over 80 million pounds of avocados during celebrations
- Los Angeles hosts the largest Cinco de Mayo festival in the world
- Mole poblano is the traditional dish of the celebration
- The colors red, white, and green are traditionally associated with the holiday
Quiz
- Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico’s Independence Day?
- In which city did the famous battle take place?
- How long did the Battle of Puebla last?
- Which country celebrates Cinco de Mayo more extensively?
-(Answers: No; Puebla; One day; United States)
FAQs
- Is it a federal holiday in Mexico? No
- Why is it more popular in the US? Cultural celebration and commercial promotion
- What’s the traditional food? Mole poblano
- Is it celebrated throughout Mexico? Mainly in Puebla
Related
- Mexican Independence Day
- Battle of Puebla Day
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Mexican Cultural Festivals
- Latin American History