Do they celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Mexico? Is it their Independence Day?

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to ‘Fifth of May’ in English, is a holiday in the US and parts of Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is often associated with the celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, and pride. In fact, the holiday generates as many beer sales as the Super Bowl.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That holiday, known as ‘Dia de la Independencia’ is celebrated on 16 September and marks the country’s independence from Spain in 1810.

So, what is Cinco de Mayo and why is it celebrated?

The holiday commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place on 5 May, 1862. During this battle, a small Mexican army defeated a larger French force, which had been sent to establish French control in Mexico.

While the Battle of Puebla was an important moment for Mexican pride, it did not ultimately prevent the French from taking control of Mexico. The French continued their campaign and eventually established a short-lived empire under the rule of Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, site of the historic battle. The holiday is marked with parades, reenactments, and other cultural events that highlight the bravery and sacrifice of the Mexican soldiers who fought in the battle.

However, outside of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico.

So why is Cinco de Mayo such a big deal in the United States?

A major factor in the popularising of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US was the so-called ‘Good Neighbour’ policy that Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administrations enacted in the 1930s. In a departure from previous methods of military force, FDR sought to establish a new era of partnership based on shared interests and values with Latin America. As the decades went on, the commemoration of Cinco de Mayo evolved froma celebration of the victory to a general day for Mexican-Americans, much like Saint Patrick’s Day has become.

Another reason is the large Mexican-American population in the country, which has helped to popularise the holiday over the years. Additionally, many businesses and marketers see Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to promote Mexican food, drinks, and culture.