What's the Real Story Behind Cinco de Mayo?

cinco de mayo hat, cut paper, and mariachi

Cinco de Mayo is an annual cultural celebration held on May 5. While it's commonly assumed to be Mexico's Independence Day, it's actually something completely different. Read on to learn the real story behind Cinco de Mayo, including Cinco de Mayo history, Cinco de Mayo significance, and much more.

Cinco de Mayo History

Cinco de Mayo history dates back to May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army declared victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. Conflict between the two nations began a year earlier, in 1861, when Mexico was unable to repay its debts to European governments. Although Britain, France, and Spain sent troops to Mexico to force repayment, Britain and Spain negotiated with President Benito Juárez and withdrew their forces.

France, however, saw this as an opportunity to take control of Mexico. Powered by wealth and military prowess, heavily armed French troops led by General Charles Latrille de Lorencez set out to attack the town of Puebla. Mexico's General Ignacio Zaragoza commandeered a much smaller, less-equipped force of indigenous and mixed-race Mexicans.

Highly outnumbered and vastly undersupplied, the Mexican army fortified the city, and on May 5, 1862, the French led an assault. Surprisingly, Zaragoza's troops defeated the French, and the French retreated after several of their service members were killed in battle.

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The Importance of Cinco de Mayo

The victory at Puebla was significant for Mexico. It not only helped gain military support from the United States but also boosted morale and national pride. Although Cinco de Mayo is mostly celebrated in the United States, it's a day to remember the unexpected victory at the Battle of Puebla and to celebrate Mexico's valiant and resilient culture.

Mariachi music, traditional dances, great Mexican food, drinks, and merriment mark the holiday.

aerial view of cinco de mayo decor

5 Interesting Facts About Cinco de Mayo

Think you know everything there is to know about Cinco de Mayo? Think again! Here are five interesting facts about Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo isn't Mexico's Independence Day. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16. It commemorates September 16, 1810, the start of the Mexican War of Independence against Spanish rule.
Cinco de Mayo isn't commonly celebrated in Mexico. In fact, beyond the state of Puebla, the rest of Mexico doesn't generally recognize the holiday.
Cinco de Mayo was popularized in the U.S. with the Chicano Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Driven to advance social justice for Mexican-Americans, the movement identified with the underdog story of the Battle of Puebla and was observed to honor Mexican culture and ancestry.
The biggest Cinco de Mayo festival in the U.S. is in California. Los Angeles's Fiesta Broadway is often cited as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration, drawing more than 400,000 people.
People consume tons of guacamole on Cinco de Mayo. It's one of the biggest days of avocado consumption in America!

Cinco de Mayo Colors

A mix of colors on Cinco de Mayo is intended to promote a warm, vibrant, and joyful theme. On Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican flag is raised, showcasing green, white, and red. These tones hold meaning.

Green: Hope
White: Unity
Red: Blood of national heroes

Cinco de Mayo dresses also feature a vibrant palette of hues, including yellow, pink, blue, and purple. Often called the Puebla dress, this traditional garment represents cultural pride and tradition. Beautiful and bold, these dresses are the official garment of the cultural holiday.

Cinco de Mayo Food and Drinks

Mexican food and drink are a big hit during Cinco de Mayo. Hailing from Puebla is the mole poblano, the quintessential dish of Cinco de Mayo. A rich and savory chocolate sauce, mole is best enjoyed over a delicate protein, like fish or chicken.

What's everyone drinking? Margaritas, of course. In fact, spirit sales increase by almost 20% across the U.S. on Cinco de Mayo alone. Margaritas are made with tequila and are believed to have been invented in Puebla, Mexico, by Danny Negrete. Negrete made a cocktail that included tequila and citrus for his girlfriend, Margarita.

Classic Margarita Recipe

1 ½ ounces tequila
1 ounce lime juice
¾ ounce triple sec
Salt (optional)
Lime wedge (for garnish)

In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Add ice and shake vigorously. Run a lime along the rim of a cocktail glass and dip it into salt for a salted rim. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, ensuring the ice stays in the shaker. Garnish with lime, and enjoy!

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Cinco de Mayo and Other Mexican Celebrations

Cinco de Mayo is a day to honor Mexican pride and heritage. Celebrations are held in Puebla, Mexico, and in the United States, with Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Chicago hosting the most popular festivities.

Another longstanding Mexican holiday celebrated throughout the U.S. and Mexico is the Day of the Dead. A large event commemorated with painted faces, elaborate altars, and celebratory processions, the Day of the Dead is observed in the fall. To learn more, read "FAQs: Day of the Dead."