While many people may be aware of Cinco de Mayo as a holiday in general, some might not be aware of the actual history behind the holiday in early May. In fact, it is sometimes mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, or some might think it’s far more popular in the United States than it is in Mexico. Here’s a quick look at the real history behind Cinco de Mayo, and how it’s celebrated today.
In a nutshell, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It celebrates the battle where Mexico defeated the French and has nothing to do with Mexican Independence Day, which is actually celebrated in September.
“The victory only delayed the eventual French victory (that government lasted until 1867, when it was overthrown) but it was a significant morale boost for a beleaguered nation,” a Library of Congress blog noted in 2022.
While the holiday is certainly celebrated in Mexico, it is not the giant extravaganza some Americans may mistakenly believe it to be. In fact, it’s not even observed as a national holiday in Mexico, but the State of Puebla tends to make a bigger deal out of it than the rest of the country.
However, some communities in the United States do mark the special occasion more enthusiastically. According to the Indiana Historical Society, “the Chicano Civil Rights era of the 1960s would shift the meaning of this holiday. Mexican Americans or Chicanos celebrated by identifying with the Mexican revolutionaries who thwarted the threat of European rule by France, then a global superpower.”
Eventually, the holiday was more commercialized in the U.S. Today, areas with large Mexican-American populations, like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, New York, and more, tend to hold celebrations of Mexican culture and heritage for Cinco de Mayo.
In places where there are large Cinco de Mayo celebrations, people commemorate the occasion via food, music, dancing, battle reenactments, parades, and more.
Los Angeles’ Fiesta Broadway is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the world. “This massive celebration is a testament to the city’s rich cultural diversity, featuring a dazzling array of music, dance, food, and art that showcases the unique heritage and traditions of the many communities that call Los Angeles home,” the event’s website reveals.
Sadly, the event was postponed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned on Sunday, April 28, 2024!
Cinco de Mayo events in the United States generally include baile folklórico and mariachi demonstrations, parades, and Mexican food. Some dishes that are served include mole poblano, chilaquiles, enchiladas, tacos, and more.
The consumption of alcohol is also associated with many celebrations in the U.S. “Beer companies have been largely responsible for the commodification of Cinco de Mayo. I mean, they spend millions and millions of dollars in Spanish-language advertising,” Jose Alamillo, a professor of Chicano studies at California State University Channel Islands, told public media outlet Marketplace in 2014.
If you’re looking to observe Cinco de Mayo this year, consider attending an authentic celebration of Mexican-American culture. Its rich history deserves appreciation and attention, and isn’t just an excuse to enjoy food and drink specials at your favorite restaurant!
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