On May 5, 2025, celebrations across the United States will mark Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a significant cultural event in the U.S., particularly among Mexican-Americans.
Cinco de Mayo, which translates to "Fifth of May" in Spanish, is not a national holiday in Mexico or the United States, but it has become a day of pride and cultural expression for many. The holiday primarily honors the bravery of Mexican soldiers led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, who, against overwhelming odds, defeated a larger French army. The battle, although a victory, did not prevent the eventual establishment of a French empire in Mexico under Emperor Maximilian I.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mainly celebrated in Puebla, where the historic battle took place. The day is marked with parades, reenactments, and various cultural events that highlight the significance of the victory. In contrast, the holiday has taken on a more commercial and celebratory character in the United States, where it is associated with vibrant festivities, food, and drinks.
The origins of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. can be traced back to Texas, where the first commemorations occurred five years after the battle. The holiday gained momentum in the mid-20th century, particularly due to Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Good Neighbor" policy, which aimed to strengthen relations with Latin America. This led to a rise in Mexican-American pride and cultural expression, with Cinco de Mayo becoming a day to celebrate heritage, much like St. Patrick's Day for the Irish.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is widely recognized in the U.S., with festivities ranging from street fairs to mariachi performances, and food specials at restaurants. For instance, Applebee's has announced a Cinco de Mayo deal featuring $2 Estrella Jalisco bottles and Tecate cans from May 2 to May 5, while Chili's will offer margarita specials on the actual day.
However, as the holiday has grown in popularity, it has also faced criticism for its commercialization. Many activists and scholars argue that the essence of Cinco de Mayo is often lost in the marketing frenzy that promotes stereotypes of Mexican culture. Sehila Mota Casper, director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation, pointed out that the day was initially a way for Mexican-Americans to preserve their cultural identity, but has since shifted toward commercialization, which can dilute its historical significance.
Despite the commercialization, many families still use Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to teach younger generations about their heritage. Jacob Troncoza, a Mexican-American from East Los Angeles, emphasizes the importance of educating his children about the historical context of the day. "I try to make sure that the kids understand what it’s about, which was the revolution, the war, and the battles that our grandfathers fought on," he said.
On the other hand, some individuals like Andrea Ruiz feel conflicted about the holiday's celebration, especially in light of contemporary political rhetoric surrounding immigration. Ruiz noted the irony in how some political figures who advocate against Mexican immigrants also partake in the festivities, saying, "I think it’s funny Trump and all of his supporters want to get Mexicans out, call them criminals, but then on Cinco de Mayo, they want to go and eat tacos and drink tequila.”
In recent years, the political landscape has also influenced the perception of Cinco de Mayo. While former President Trump acknowledged the holiday during his term, his administration's stance on immigration and its impact on Mexican communities has left many feeling uneasy about the celebrations. Organizers of the Cinco de Mayo parade in Chicago even canceled the event, citing concerns over increased immigration enforcement in the city.
As the holiday approaches, communities across the U.S. are gearing up for a variety of events. In California, celebrations will include art displays, classic car shows, and food trucks. Austin, Texas, plans to host photo opportunities with characters from Disney's "Encanto," alongside discussions about the significance of the holiday.
Ultimately, Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Mexican people and their culture. While the day has become a celebration of Mexican-American identity, it also provides an opportunity for reflection on the historical events that shaped this identity. As more people join in the festivities, it is essential to remember the roots of the holiday and the pride it represents for many.
