Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated on May 5th that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the United States and around the world.
History of Cinco de Mayo
The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862 near the city of Puebla during the French intervention in Mexico. The Mexican army, though greatly outnumbered, was able to defeat the highly favored French forces. This unlikely victory became a great source of Mexican pride and solidarity. In the years following the battle, May 5th came to be known as Cinco de Mayo, meaning “fifth of May” in Spanish.
Cinco de Mayo started gaining popularity in California in the 1860s when Mexican miners celebrated the holiday as a symbol of Mexican culture and patriotism. Over the next century, the holiday spread across the western United States with the migration of Mexican immigrants who brought their traditional holiday celebrations with them. In the 1980s, beer companies began promoting Cinco de Mayo in the US as a day to celebrate Mexican culture, enjoy Mexican food and drinks, and strengthen community ties between Mexicans and other Americans.
Common Cinco de Mayo Celebrations and Traditions
Here are some of the most popular ways Cinco de Mayo is celebrated today:
Parades and Festivals
Many cities across the US with large Mexican populations, like Los Angeles, Houston, San Diego, and Chicago, hold Cinco de Mayo parades and festivals. These community celebrations often feature mariachi music, folkloric dancing, Mexican food vendors, rides and games for kids.
Enjoying Mexican Food and Drinks
Eating traditional Mexican cuisine is one of the most common and beloved Cinco de Mayo traditions. Some signature dishes enjoyed on this day include tacos, quesadillas, tamales, guacamole, and churros. Margaritas, tequila, Mexican beer, and non-alcoholic aguas frescas are popular beverage choices.
Drinking Tequila and Mezcal
Cinco de Mayo is considered a celebration of all things Mexican, and that includes drinking Mexico’s most iconic spirits – tequila and mezcal. Many restaurants and bars feature tequila tastings and mezcal cocktails on their drink menus for the holiday.
Listening to Mariachi Bands
No Cinco de Mayo party is complete without festive mariachi music! Mariachi bands with their brass horns, stringed instruments and strong vocals are an integral part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Wearing Traditional Mexican Clothing
Getting decked out in traditional Mexican apparel is a fun way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Women often wear colorful floral dresses and men don sombreros, ponchos and sarapes.
Learning About Mexican History and Culture
Many schools and community centers use Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to educate children and adults about Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and historic contributions as a nation.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations for Kids
Cinco de Mayo is a very family-friendly holiday with plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, including:
Crafts
Making tissue paper flowers, papel picado (Mexican perforated paper banners), maracas, piñatas and other Mexican-themed crafts.
Games
Playing traditional games like la loteria (Mexican bingo) and Mexican dominoes.
Music and Dancing
Having fun dancing to festive Latino music or performing in a mini mariachi band.
Food
Letting kids help prepare and sample delicious Mexican appetizers like guacamole and churros.
Conclusion
While Cinco de Mayo commemorates an important Mexican military victory, it has really become a celebration of community, culture, delicious food and fun for all ages. The holiday lets everyone get in touch with the vibrant spirit of Mexico for a day. Whether you attend a parade, listen to mariachi music or just eat some tasty tacos, there are lots of fantastic ways to join in the Cinco de Mayo festivities.