🇲🇽 Days Until Cinco de Mayo
There are
days until Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
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About Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is observed on May 5th, commemorating the Mexican Army's unexpected victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico (primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla), it has become a major celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States. Festivities include parades, mariachi music, folklorico dancing, and traditional Mexican food and drink. It is often mistakenly thought to be Mexico's Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16th.
How to prepare for Cinco de Mayo
Host a fiesta with authentic Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor, guacamole, elote (street corn), and churros. Create a festive atmosphere with papel picado banners, sombreros, and a mariachi or Latin music playlist. Learn about the actual history of the Battle of Puebla to share with guests — it's a much more interesting story than most people realize. Check for local Cinco de Mayo festivals, parades, and live music events. If dining out, make reservations at Mexican restaurants early, as they tend to be packed.
Traditions and customs
Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In Mexico it is a relatively minor, regional observance centered in Puebla, but in the United States it has grown into a broad celebration of Mexican-American culture with mariachi music, folklĂłrico dancing, parades, and Mexican food. It is commonly and mistakenly assumed to be Mexican Independence Day.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Cinco de Mayo?
- Cinco de Mayo is May 5th, a fixed date, as its Spanish name ("fifth of May") states.
- Is Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day?
- No. This is a common misconception. Mexican Independence Day is September 16th. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla.
- Why is Cinco de Mayo bigger in the U.S. than in Mexico?
- In Mexico it is mainly observed in Puebla. In the U.S. it grew, particularly from the 1960s onward, into a celebration of Mexican-American heritage and, later, a major commercial event.