Understanding Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for 'Fifth of May,' is a vibrant and colorful celebration that commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Historical Significance
Although often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo actually marks a significant military triumph that boosted Mexican morale during a time of foreign intervention. The victory at Puebla symbolizes the resilience and courage of the Mexican people.
Celebrations and Traditions
Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in Mexico, especially in the state of Puebla, where the historic battle took place. Parades, music, traditional dances, and delicious food are key components of the festivities.
Cinco de Mayo Around the World
While Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday, it is also embraced in the United States and other countries as a day to honor and celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Festivals, parties, and cultural events take place, showcasing the richness of Mexican traditions.
More popular in the United States than in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. Celebrations began in Columbia, California, where they have been observed annually since 1862. The day gained nationwide popularity beyond those of Mexican-American heritage in the 1980s due to advertising campaigns by beer, wine, and tequila companies; today, Cinco de Mayo generates beer sales on par with the Super Bowl. In Mexico, the commemoration of the battle continues to be mostly ceremonial, such as through military parades or battle reenactments. The city of Puebla marks the event with various festivals and reenactments of the battle.
Some interesting facts about Cinco de Mayo include:
- In 2017, the Corona beer company lit up New York City’s famous Times Square Ball to resemble a lime wedge and hosted a “Lime Drop” to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
- In 2005, Congress declared Cinco de Mayo an official U.S. holiday.
- Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in a few other places around the world, including Brisbane, Australia, Malta, and the Cayman Islands.
- In the past, Americans have consumed more than 80 million pounds of avocados on Cinco de Mayo.
- Los Angeles’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration is bigger than the one in Puebla, Mexico, where the holiday originated.
- Forget the tacos, one of the most popular traditional dishes in Mexico for Cinco de Mayo is mole poblano, a rich sauce made from chocolate and chilis.
- The colors traditionally associated with Cinco de Mayo are red, white, and green, reflecting the colors of the Mexican flag.
- The Battle of Puebla is re-enacted every year in Mexico City.
- Many 2020 Cinco de Mayo celebrations were canceled or transformed into virtual gatherings due to the pandemic.
- The city of Longmont in Colorado celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a Chihuahua beauty contest, in which they crown a King and Queen Chihuahua.
- In 2013, Americans spent more than $600 million on beer for Cinco de Mayo.
Join the Celebration
Whether you're enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine, dressing up, dancing to lively music, or learning about Mexican history, Cinco de Mayo offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Mexican culture. Let's celebrate unity, diversity, and the spirit of Cinco de Mayo together!