Cinco de Mayo falls on May 5 every year — and this year it lands on a Tuesday.
If you’ve been searching when is Cinco de Mayo, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re planning a celebration, a restaurant special, or simply want to understand the meaning behind the holiday, this guide covers everything you need to know — from its true historical roots to the best ways to honor the day.
Table of Contents
What Is the Date of Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is observed annually on May 5. The date never changes — only the day of the week shifts from year to year. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on Tuesday, May 5, celebrating the defeat of the French Army by the Mexican Army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Mark your calendars — the festivities are happening right now.
The True History Behind Cinco de Mayo
Many people assume Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. That’s one of the most common misconceptions about the holiday. Many people outside Mexico mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican independence, which was declared more than 50 years before the Battle of Puebla. Independence Day in Mexico is actually commemorated on September 16.
So what does Cinco de Mayo actually celebrate?
Cinco de Mayo, meaning “the fifth of May,” is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862, victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
The history of Cinco de Mayo dates back to 1861 when Benito Juárez became the president of Mexico. Due to the financial turmoil that Mexico was in, Juárez was forced to default on his debts to European governments, and in response, France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement.
Certain that success would come swiftly, 6,000 French troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez set out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east-central Mexico. From his headquarters in the north, President Juárez rounded up a force of 2,000 loyal men — many of them either Indigenous Mexicans or of mixed ancestry — and sent them to Puebla. The vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans, led by Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza, fortified the town and prepared for the French assault.
On May 5, 1862, the Battle of Puebla lasted from daybreak to early evening, and when the French finally retreated, they had lost nearly 500 soldiers. Fewer than 100 Mexican soldiers were killed. Although not a major strategic win in the overall war against the French, this defeat represented a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government.
Is Cinco de Mayo a Federal Holiday?
Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in the United States. Organizations, businesses, and schools are open as usual.
Within Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where Zaragoza’s unlikely victory occurred. Traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla, and other festive events. For many Mexicans, however, May 5 is a day like any other — it is not a federal holiday, so offices, banks, and stores remain open.
How Is Cinco de Mayo Celebrated in the United States?
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved significantly. It began as a way for Mexican Americans to celebrate their heritage and show solidarity with their homeland during the 1860s. Today, it serves as a broader celebration of Mexican American culture. Communities host large festivals featuring traditional food, music, and dance.
One of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations takes place in cities such as Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, San Antonio, Sacramento, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver, and El Paso in the USA’s southwestern regions. Many people hang up banners, and school districts organize lessons and special events to educate pupils about the culture of Americans of Mexican descent.
According to Nielsen, in 2013 more than $600 million worth of beer was purchased in the United States for Cinco de Mayo, more than for the Super Bowl or St. Patrick’s Day. The holiday has clearly become a massive cultural and commercial moment.
Traditional Foods and Music for Cinco de Mayo
Food is a central part of any cultural celebration. For Cinco de Mayo, mole poblano is a standout dish. This rich, complex sauce is directly connected to the region of Puebla. Other popular foods include authentic tacos, tamales, and various regional dishes that showcase the diversity of Mexican cuisine.
Music and dance also play a crucial role. Mariachi bands and traditional folk dances highlight the vast regional diversity found within Mexican culture.
How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Respectfully
Cinco de Mayo is a day of cultural pride, not just a party. To ensure your celebration remains respectful, avoid reducing the day to a bar crawl, spreading the misinformation that it is Mexican Independence Day, or disrespecting cultural symbols — traditional garments and cultural artifacts deserve to be treated with care.
Instead, use the day to support local Mexican-owned restaurants, attend community festivals, and take a moment to learn about the Battle of Puebla and its lasting significance.
Cinco de Mayo Around the World
The holiday isn’t just a U.S. and Mexican affair. The city of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, holds an annual Mexican Festival to honor the day, and celebrations are held in London and New Zealand. Other celebrations can also be found in Cape Town, South Africa, Lagos, Nigeria, and in Paris, France. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Japan in Osaka and in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park Event Space as a celebration of Latin American culture.
Quick Facts About Cinco de Mayo
- Date: May 5, every year (this year: Tuesday, May 5)
- What it celebrates: Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla, 1862
- Often confused with: Mexican Independence Day (September 16)
- Federal holiday? No — not in the U.S. or Mexico nationally
- Biggest U.S. celebrations: Los Angeles, San Antonio, Denver, Phoenix
- Traditional food: Mole Poblano, tacos, tamales
- Traditional music: Mariachi, baile folklórico
Celebrate with pride, celebrate with knowledge — and enjoy every moment of this vibrant, culturally rich holiday!
