Cinco de Mayo 2025: The True Meaning Behind May 5th
Cinco de Mayo, often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day, is celebrated every year on May 5th. But there's more to this holiday than just festive food and music.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo means "Fifth of May" in Spanish. It marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexican army achieved a surprising victory over French forces. Contrary to popular belief, Mexico’s Independence Day is on September 16, not May 5.
The Battle of Puebla: A Symbol of Resistance
The battle took place in Puebla, Mexico, during the Franco-Mexican War. Despite being outnumbered and poorly equipped, the Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defended their land bravely. This underdog victory became a symbol of Mexican pride and unity.
Why is Cinco de Mayo Celebrated in the U.S.?
In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture. Parades, mariachi music, traditional food, and dance are part of the festivities. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston host some of the biggest celebrations. For many, it's a chance to honor heritage, resilience, and diversity.
How People Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Today
Traditional foods like tacos, tamales, and margaritas take center stage during the celebrations. Folk dancing and mariachi performances fill the streets, while educational events and cultural fairs raise awareness about the day. Schools and communities highlight Mexican traditions and values.
Is "Sinko de Mayo" Correct?
You might see it spelled as "Sinko de Mayo", but that’s just a phonetic spelling. The correct term is Cinco de Mayo, which literally means May 5th.
Quick Facts about Cinco de Mayo
- It is not Mexico’s Independence Day.
- The holiday is more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico.
- Puebla, Mexico, still hosts military parades and reenactments.
- It became popular in the U.S. during the Chicano Movement in the 1960s.
The Historical Significance of Cinco de Mayo
The celebration’s true roots lie in a 19th-century battle that symbolized Mexican resistance and resilience. Mario García, a Chicanx historian, describes Cinco de Mayo as a day that commemorated Mexico’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
The battle saw a small, outnumbered Mexican army defeat the military of Napoleon III’s Second French Empire in Puebla, a city in east-central Mexico. This victory was crucial in preventing France from establishing a foothold that could have aided the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
García explains, "It becomes a Chicano holiday, in many ways, linked to the Chicano movement, because we discover Mexicans resisting a foreign invader." The holiday gained traction in the late 19th century among Mexican Americans as a form of cultural resistance following the Mexican-American War.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Today
Despite its historical significance, Cinco de Mayo has become more of a party day in the U.S. In the 1980s, commercialization took hold as U.S. beer companies and restaurants began marketing the holiday with themed drink specials, and the day’s deeper significance faded in public consciousness.
García notes, "Everyone thinks that it's just party time, it's Corona time. It's OK for people to go out and have a good time on a holiday like Cinco de Mayo—at least they have some sense that it's some kind of a Mexican holiday. But we should go beyond that. We should have Cinco de Mayo events that go beyond partying and drinking, where we call attention to what the history is."
He also pointed to a gap in U.S. education as part of the problem, stating, "When you study the history of Chicanos and Latinos, of course, they've been history makers. They've been involved in all aspects of American history, not to mention the wars… In World War II alone, almost half a million Latinos—mostly Mexican Americans—fought in the war. And they won a disproportionate number of Congressional Medals of Honor."
As Cinco de Mayo approaches, many Americans are planning to celebrate. According to research firm Numerator, nearly one in five Americans (17%) plans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Most of the celebrators said they were planning to go out to eat (38%), gather with family and friends (35%), or go out for drinks (33%).
Food and Drink Deals for Cinco de Mayo
For those looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, many restaurants are offering specials. Chuy's, a Tex-Mex chain, has some Cinco de Mayo specials all day on May 5, including a $5 Queso Bowl and drink specials starting at $6 for regular margaritas.
Chipotle is also getting in on the action by launching a game on Roblox at 5 p.m. CT on May 5, where the first 50,000 players to collect all 53 unique ingredient cards will be able to unlock a free entrée offer. Additionally, they are cancelling delivery fees through May 5 and offering free chips and Queso Blanco with the code CINCO25.
Taco Bell has several deals, including a free Nachos Bell Grande with an order of $20 or more on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub on May 5. Teremana Tequila, created by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is offering a rebate for any appetizer for $10 via Venmo when purchasing a cocktail made with Teremana Tequila, through May 31 (up to $1 million in rebates).
Other restaurants like Abuelo's and Checkers & Rally’s are also offering specials to celebrate this festive day.
Cinco de Mayo will be marked by parades, music, food, and festivals across the U.S. and in parts of Mexico, especially Puebla. It's a day to honor heritage, celebrate resilience, and enjoy the flavors of Mexican culture.
