Cinco de Mayo is one of the most important Mexican holidays. It is celebrated on May 5th of every year, it celebrates the Mexican victory in the Battle of Puebla of 1862.
The origins of Cinco de Mayo date back to the 1860s, when Mexico owed many European powers money over two wars that had completely destroyed the economy. Mexico wasn’t able to pay back the European powers of Spain, Britain and France due to the bad state of their economy. Britain and Spain both peacefully negotiated with Mexico, while France had more sinister intentions. They wanted to overthrow the democratic government in Mexico, and replace it with an empire that would favor the interests of the French.
In late 1861, an armed French ship landed in Veracruz, driving Mexican president Benito Juárez and his cabinet into retreat, deep in the Chihuahuan desert, in a town called El Paso del Norte (now Ciudad Juárez). By May 3rd, Mexican troops reached Puebla, which was then a small fortified city, having known from the British that the French were on their way. The flimsy Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, battled with the French army, which was the strongest in the world at the time. The Mexican soldiers used their knowledge hills and the Fort of Guadalupe to hide and fight back against the French attacks. By the evening of May 5, 1862, the French had surrendered and retreated back to Orizaba.
The city of Puebla, which was named “Puebla de los Ángeles”, was renamed in September 1862 to “Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza” in honor of General Ignacio Zaragoza who led the Mexican army to victory. Similarly, the city of “El Paso del Norte” was renamed in September 1888 to “Ciudad Juarez” in honor of president Juarez, who led Mexico through the French Intervention in Mexico to victory.
Nowadays, Cinco de Mayo is confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 15-16 yearly. It is not classified as a national holiday (like Independence Day) nation-wide. But all public schools are closed May 5th in the whole country. In addition, the states of Puebla and Veracruz do observe Cinco de Mayo as a full holiday, with the day given off to workers and students alike.
In the state of Puebla, historical re-enactments and parades take place. Performers dress as French and Mexican soldiers to re-enact the battle as if it was live. In Puebla City, on the Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza, there is a monument dedicated to the general, a white monument stands, with bronze statues of Zaragoza on a horse, the Mexican army and cannons.
In 2026, many people in the United States celebrate Cinco de Mayo to honor Mexican culture. Large cities host fun festivals with lively music and colorful folk dancing in the streets. Families often get together to eat traditional foods and enjoy time with their friends. Many people also wear bright clothes or decorate their homes to show respect for the holiday. It is a special day that brings different communities together to celebrate Mexican history and pride.
