Ah, Cinco de Mayo — the day when tequila flows freely, guacamole gets dangerously low, and sombreros make questionable fashion comebacks in bars across America. But before you raise your salt-rimmed glass in celebration, let’s clear the salsa-smudged lens and dive into what Cinco de Mayo actually is, what it isn’t, and why it matters — even if your only plans involve nachos and an ill-advised attempt at salsa dancing.
What Is Cinco de Mayo?
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Yes, we need to start there because this myth has been doing laps around the internet — and bars — for decades. Mexico’s actual Independence Day is September 16th, commemorating the start of the war for independence from Spain in 1810.
Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, celebrates the Battle of Puebla in 1862. On this day, a significantly outnumbered and poorly equipped Mexican army defeated the mighty French forces of Napoleon III in the city of Puebla. That’s right — it’s not about gaining independence, it’s about a good ol’ underdog victory.
David vs. Goliath, Tacos Edition
Let’s paint the picture: France, the global military powerhouse at the time, had invaded Mexico under the guise of collecting unpaid debts. Napoleon III, presumably bored and eager to expand his empire, thought it’d be easy. What he didn’t expect was a determined force of about 2,000 Mexican soldiers — many of whom were farmers with muskets and machetes — standing their ground against his 6,000-strong, better-armed army.
In a dramatic turn worthy of a Netflix miniseries, General Ignacio Zaragoza led the Mexican troops to a stunning victory on May 5, 1862. This wasn’t a decisive win in the war (France eventually took over Mexico for a few years), but the Battle of Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resilience, unity, and patriotism.
Why Do Americans Celebrate It More Than Mexicans?
Here’s where it gets spicy. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mostly celebrated in Puebla with parades, reenactments, and civic ceremonies. In the rest of the country, it’s a minor holiday — certainly not a national day off.
In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a whole new life. Beginning in the 1960s, Chicano activists embraced the holiday as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. Over time, American marketing machines (read: beer companies) saw an opportunity, and by the 1980s and 1990s, Cinco de Mayo had transformed into a full-fledged commercial fiesta.
Today, it’s a celebration of Mexican-American pride, cuisine, and cultural contributions — albeit often served with a side of cultural appropriation and a few too many margaritas.
Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends (or Your Bartender)
- General Zaragoza, the hero of the Battle of Puebla, was born in Texas — when it was still part of Mexico.
- Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico, so banks, offices, and schools usually remain open.
- Avocado sales skyrocket in the U.S. around Cinco de Mayo, with Americans consuming over 80 million pounds in a single weekend.
- The city of Puebla still hosts an annual parade and battle reenactment, complete with fake mustaches and historical uniforms.
- The largest Cinco de Mayo celebration isn’t in Mexico — it’s in Los Angeles, where parades, music, and food festivals draw hundreds of thousands of people.
The Serious Side of the Salsa
While Cinco de Mayo offers an excuse to indulge in Mexican food and fun, it’s worth remembering the deeper cultural significance behind the celebration. It’s a reminder of resistance against oppression, the power of unity, and pride in heritage — themes that resonate well beyond the battlefield of Puebla.
So yes, enjoy your tacos and your tequila. But maybe also take a moment to appreciate the vibrant history, the immigrant story, and the cultural richness that gave birth to this holiday. Because if there’s anything worth celebrating, it’s resilience — and maybe just a little bit of salsa on the side.
Cinco de Mayo is not just about the party — it’s about the people. Whether you’re honoring Mexican heritage, learning about history, or just trying not to spill queso on your shirt, do it with respect, curiosity, and maybe even a toast to General Zaragoza, the unlikely hero of a battle that became a symbol of national pride.
And if someone tries to tell you it’s Mexico’s Independence Day? Kindly hand them this article — and maybe a napkin.
