Celebrations

Is May 5th a holiday in the USA? What is celebrated on this date?

Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States, but is it an official public holiday? Here’s what you should know.

Hugo Ortuño

Corina González Greg Heilman

Update: May 5th, 2026 07:14 EDT

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Cinco de Mayo is observed across the United States, especially in border states such as California and Texas. Celebrations often include traditional Mexican foods, regional Mexican music, and people wearing traditional dresses and hats.

One reason Cinco de Mayo has become so popular in the U.S. is that some Americans mistakenly believe it marks Mexico’s Independence Day. In reality, May 5 is generally a normal day in Mexico.

Is May 5 a federal holiday in the United States?

Although Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated, it is not an official federal holiday in the United States.

What is celebrated on May 5?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican army defeated French forces.

Following the Reform War and during a period of economic crisis, President Benito Juárez suspended payments on foreign debts owed to countries including France, England, and Spain. In response, those nations sent troops to Mexico’s coasts.

After negotiations, the Treaties of La Soledad were signed, and Mexico promised to resume payments. England and Spain withdrew their forces, but France did not honor the agreements and instead launched a military intervention in Mexico.

On May 5, 1862, after a hard-fought battle, French troops were forced to retreat. The French suffered more than 500 casualties, while Mexican forces lost around 100 soldiers.

According to History, Mexican Americans drew inspiration from this victory during the U.S. Civil War, particularly in support of the Union. This led to early Cinco de Mayo celebrations that included parades, dances, and banquets.

The 11 federal holidays in the United States

The U.S. government recognizes 11 federal holidays. Some occur on fixed dates, while others fall on specific days of the week and therefore change each year.

If a holiday falls on a weekend, it is typically observed on a nearby weekday. If it falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday.

Here are the federal holidays in the United States:

New Year’s Day: January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Third Monday in January
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day): Third Monday in February
Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19
Independence Day: July 4
Labor Day: First Monday in September
Columbus Day: Second Monday in October
Veterans Day: November 11
Thanksgiving Day: Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day: December 25