Every year on May 5, cities across the United States light up with cinco de mayo parades, festivals, and a flood of margarita and taco deals. Yet beneath the party atmosphere lies a proud commemoration of Mexico’s unlikely triumph over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This year, as cinco de mayo falls on a Monday, both long-standing traditions and new festivities will mark the holiday’s 162nd anniversary.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Literally “fifth of May”—celebrates the day Mexican forces, though heavily outnumbered, repelled Napoleon III’s invading army at Puebla. President Benito Juárez declared May 5 a national holiday in 1862, honoring the bravery of his soldiers and stalling French designs on Mexican sovereignty. Historians note this victory also prevented French aid to the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
Yet the holiday is not Mexico’s Independence Day (that falls on Sept. 16). As Chicanx historian Mario García points out, many Americans mistakenly conflate the two, partly because it is catchier than “Dieciseis de Septiembre.”
“Everyone thinks that it’s just party time, it’s Corona time,” García remarked. “We should have Cinco de Mayo events that go beyond partying and drinking, where we call attention to what the history is.”
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Why the U.S. Embraced It So Much?
In Mexico, Puebla remains the epicenter of observance, with solemn military reenactments and local fairs. Nationwide, however, Día de la Independencia eclipses May 5 in scale. In contrast, the U.S. has transformed Cinco de Mayo into an annual celebration of Mexican-American identity and heritage. The holiday gained momentum during the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and ’70s as a symbol of resistance and cultural pride.
Commercialization took off in the 1980s. Restaurants and breweries launched cinco de mayo specials, from cinco de mayo deals on tacos and tequila flights to branded cinco de mayo margaritas. Today, chains advertise “Cinco de Drinko” deals, while historians like García urge revelers to blend festivity with education.
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How to Celebrate: From History to Happy Hour
Beyond the ubiquitous Mexican fare, Cinco de Mayo offers ways to deepen your connection to its roots:
- Attend a Reenactment or Lecture: Check local historical societies for events examining the Battle of Puebla’s significance.
- Support Authentic Cuisine: Seek out Mexican food near me at family-owned taquerias, not just chain restaurants.
- Learn Through Music and Dance: Folklórico performances tell regional stories, linking modern communities to 19th-century Mexico.
Of course, many will indulge in cinco de mayo specials near me—enchiladas, tamales, and signature cocktails. But alongside the cheers, a nod to Mexico’s resilience enriches the day.
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Major Cinco de Mayo Festivals Across the U.S.
- San Diego: Old Town hosts live mariachi, folklórico dancers, and dining deals through May 4.
- Denver: Civic Center Park’s free Cinco de Mayo Denver festivities May 3–4 include parades, chihuahua races, and artisan markets.
- St. Paul: One of Minnesota’s largest Latino events, the West Side block party on May 3 features live music, a car show, and family activities.
- San Antonio: Fiesta San Antonio, a ten-day cultural celebration, runs through May 4 with art, food, and parades.
- Los Angeles: Downtown’s Fiesta Broadway, held April 27, drew thousands for one of the world’s biggest Cinco de Mayo street festivals.
A Federal Holiday?
Despite its popularity, it is not a federal holiday in either country. U.S. schools and offices remain open, though many workplaces host internal celebrations or offer cinco de mayo deals on catered meals.
From its battlefield origins to today’s vibrant block parties, this day stands as a testament to Mexican courage and cultural richness. As you search for the best restaurants near me or margarita specials, take a moment to remember the soldiers at Puebla—whose 19th-century stand still inspires unity and pride in communities across North America.
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