If you want to read more about Cinco de Mayo, check out “The Story Behind Cinco de Mayo” written by Julia Espinoza (May 6, 2025).

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory in 1862 over the French in the battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. 

This Mexican holiday is not seen as a day of major significance in Mexico. It’s mainly just celebrated in Puebla, a state in Mexico. It is associated with local heritage and history rather than a national celebration, though it is more commonly celebrated in the United States than in Mexico. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo was first celebrated in California in 1863. During the Civil Rights movement, it was a way to commemorate the contributions of Mexican-Americans and to highlight the marginalization of those communities. 

This day is a way to experience traditional food, music, art and community events. However, non-Mexicans have heavily influenced it in a way that twisted the true historical meaning behind Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is used as a way to commercialize businesses, which leads to them focusing on selling their products instead of promoting the historical context, such as the Cinco de Drinko term that emphasizes the drinking aspect of the holiday. Most Americans don’t acknowledge the deeper historical context and the meaning behind it, and instead, Cinco de Mayo is often reduced to a simple party. 

Cinco de Mayo is not the day of independence for Mexico, however, many people do confuse it with that. Sept. 16 is the Declaration of Independence Day in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is just celebrating the victory of the Battle of Puebla. On this day, non-Americans adopt aspects of Mexican culture without even understanding the cultural context. Non-Americans also reinforce harmful stereotypes, such as wearing a sombrero, a fake mustache, ponchos, using a sombrero chip bowl, or even using terms such as cinco de drinko. 

Overall, it’s all right to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, though it is important to understand the historical context. Avoid reinforcing stereotypes while doing so, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with authentic food and without the poor representation that is advertised. Try to educate yourself by engaging in Mexican communities.