¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Communities across the United States are getting ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “fifth of May”) with festivals and parades! But do you know why we celebrate this holiday?
According to a 2020 YouGov survey, 41% of U.S. adults believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, 40% say it isn’t, and 19% are unsure.
If you’re unsure what Cinco de Mayo celebrates, you’re not alone! To help you learn about Cinco de Mayo and why, where, and how it’s celebrated, we put together a holiday guide for families:
What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?
On the morning of May 5, 1862, 6,000 French troops marched toward the Mexican city of Puebla, intending to take over Mexico and turn it into a French colony.
The 2,000 Mexican soldiers were outnumbered and had limited supplies, but under General Ignacio Zaragoza, they bravely fought back against the French. The battle lasted until early evening, when the French army retreated.
Though it wasn’t the end of the war for Mexico, the unexpected victory at the Battle of Puebla became a source of national pride. Cinco de Mayo — the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla — is celebrated today to remember the courage and determination of the Mexican people.
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day?
There is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but they are actually not the same thing at all! Independence Day, or “El Día de la Independencia” in Spanish, occurred about 50 years before the Battle of Puebla took place.
On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest and leader in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato, gave an impactful speech calling for Mexico’s freedom from Spain. The speech is known as “El Grito de Dolores,” or “The Cry of Dolores.”
Each year, people all throughout Mexico celebrate this historic event. The night before Independence Day, on September 15, the President of Mexico reenacts El Grito from the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City. Then, on September 16, Mexican citizens commemorate the holiday with fireworks and parades.
How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico?
Cinco de Mayo is not a significant holiday in Mexico, except in the state of Puebla, where the famous battle took place, and in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico. To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, people in Puebla and Mexico City often get dressed up in uniforms and period costumes to attend parades and historical reenactments.
For the battle reenactments, some participants dress as Mexican soldiers, while others wear the uniforms of the French troops. The two sides have a dramatic standoff before the marching, shouting, drum rolls, and smoke effects begin.
After the Mexican army “wins” the battle, the crowds cheer, wave Mexican flags, and shout, “¡Viva México!” (“Long live Mexico!”). For these Mexican communities and families, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to honor their heritage and learn history in a fun and interactive way!
How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States?
Cinco de Mayo is actually more popular in the United States than in most parts of Mexico!
In the 1960s, during the Chicano Movement, Mexican-American communities were fighting for equal rights and recognition from the U.S. government. Activists looking for ways to celebrate their heritage saw Cinco de Mayo as a symbol of Mexican identity, bravery, and resistance.
Today, people in the U.S. celebrate Cinco de Mayo by honoring Mexican culture and traditions. Communities all over the nation, particularly in cities with large Mexican-American populations, hold festivals and parades, and participants enjoy Mexican folk dancing, Mariachi music, Mexican food, and more.
You can celebrate Cinco de Mayo by attending a parade in your community or embracing Mexican culture through music, dancing, food, and more!
Cinco de Mayo is a lively celebration for people in Mexico to celebrate their history and for people in the U.S. to celebrate Mexican culture! We hope this guide has helped you appreciate the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo and reflect on the importance of courage and resistance. ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
