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Cinco de Mayo, which falls on May 5th each year, is a day of celebration for Mexican culture and history. The holiday dates back to 1862 when Mexico was under French rule, and the Mexican army was able to defeat the much larger French forces in the Battle of Puebla. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world with parades, music, food, and dancing. So gather your family and friends together and join in the festivities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1862</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of Puebla</div><div class='timeline-text'>On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defended the town of Puebla against invading French forces, an event which Cinco de Mayo commemorates.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1867</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>French withdraw from Mexico</div><div class='timeline-text'>After five years of occupation, the French forces withdrew from Mexico marking an end to the French Intervention.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1930s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cinco de Mayo in the USA</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mexican immigrants in the southwestern United States started observing Cinco de Mayo as a way to celebrate their heritage and assert their cultural identity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Commercialization of Cinco de Mayo</div><div class='timeline-text'>Fueled by commercial interests, particularly in the alcohol and restaurant industries, Cinco de Mayo became widely celebrated in the US, often with a focus on food, music and drinks.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>US Congressional Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The US Congress issued a resolution officially recognizing Cinco de Mayo and its historical significance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated globally with festivities including parades, music, traditional Mexican foods and dances, marking a tribute to Mexican culture and heritage.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook Mexican food</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Cinco de Mayo is the perfect day to try cooking something new. Check out traditional Mexican recipes and pick one to try. Embrace the spirit of the holiday and cook a delicious meal.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dress up in a costume</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Step out of your comfort zone and get into the spirit of Cinco de Mayo by dressing up in a traditional Mexican costume. Get creative with it and have fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a potluck and invite your friends over for a traditional Mexican feast. Everyone can bring their favorite dish to share and enjoy a variety of delicious Mexican dishes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends together for a movie night and watch some classic Mexican films. Try renting some Mexican cinema or search for some streaming options on Netflix or Hulu.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>See if there are any Cinco de Mayo festivals in your area. These festivals often feature music, dancing, food, and more. It's the perfect way to celebrate this special holiday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates Mexican heritage and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration honoring the achievements and struggles of Mexican heritage and culture. The holiday brings people together to commemorate this vibrant and diverse part of our world with music, food and drink, making it a great opportunity to learn more about history and customs!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an excuse for fun & festivities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No matter where you live, chances are your city will be hosting some kind of event or gathering on Cinco de Mayo. From traditional mariachi bands playing in the park to dance parties in local bars, there's something happening that everyone can enjoy -all while celebrating the day's significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates delicious foods</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From tacos and enchiladas, to churros and sweet tamales, authentic Mexican cuisine has something for everyone. On Cinco de Mayo you'll find restaurants offering special dishes to mark the occasion, so what better way to join in on all the festivities than by indulging in some delicious food?</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to common misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. However, it has evolved into a significant celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cinco de Mayo became popular in the U.S. as a result of commercial interests</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the 1980s and 90s, beer companies targeted the growing Hispanic population in the U.S. and began promoting Cinco de Mayo as a major celebration, leading to its widespread recognition today.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The world's largest Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place in Los Angeles</h3><p class='facts-content'>The festival, known as Fiesta Broadway, is a major Cinco de Mayo event attended by hundreds of thousands of people each year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cinco de Mayo has its roots in the American Civil War</h3><p class='facts-content'>Some historians believe that had Mexico not defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla, France would have gone on to aid the Confederate Army in the U.S. Civil War, potentially changing the outcome of the war.</p></div></div>
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5 every year. In 2024, Cinco de Mayo will occur on a Sunday.
2023
May 5
Friday
2024
May 5
Sunday
2025
May 5
Monday
2026
May 5
Tuesday
2027
May 5
Wednesday
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