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Cinco de Mayo

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with friends and family - tacos, margaritas, and music to make it an unforgettable fiesta!

Wednesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 5

OBSERVED INMexico

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYHispanic Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

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TIMELINE

Cinco de Mayo Timeline

Battle of Puebla

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.

French withdraw from Mexico

After five years of occupation, the French forces withdrew from Mexico marking an end to the French Intervention.

Cinco de Mayo in the USA

Mexican immigrants in the southwestern United States started observing Cinco de Mayo as a way to celebrate their heritage and assert their cultural identity.

Commercialization of Cinco de Mayo

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.

US Congressional Recognition

The US Congress issued a resolution officially recognizing Cinco de Mayo and its historical significance.

Global Celebrations

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Cook Mexican food

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.

DRESS

Dress up in a costume

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.

ORGANIZE

Organize a potluck

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.

HAVE

Have a movie night

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.

ATTEND

Attend a festival

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Cinco de Mayo

It celebrates delicious foods

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?

It celebrates Mexican heritage and culture

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!

It's an excuse for fun & festivities

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.