Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5, commemorates a significant victory in Mexican history.
In 1862, Mexican forces defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. People often think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but that’s actually on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo celebrates something different but just as important.
It shows how Mexico successfully stood up to a foreign army that tried to take over their country. In the United States today, the holiday has grown into a big celebration of Mexican culture, including its food, music, and traditions.
Now how do we celebrate it? Many families have a traditional meal where they eat tamales, sopes, gorditas, quesadillas, and many side dishes. Such as pico de gallo and mexican rice. They also drink lots of Horchata and Jamaica! A big desert that Mexicans eat on Cinco De Mayo is Tres Leches cake which is a sponge cake soaked in three different kinds of milk (whole milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk), making it super moist and creamy.
Another tradition for Cinco De Mayo for adults is to celebrate by drinking alcohol. Popular domestic drinks like Modelo, Corona, and tequilas.
There are street fairs filled with traditional food, especially mole poblano, and people enjoy watching folk dancers perform in bright costumes.
On Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, mariachi bands play music that makes everyone feel happy and connected. Kids wear colorful traditional clothes and perform Mexican folk dances that tell stories about their history.
The streets and houses are decorated with bright colors, especially with special paper decorations called papel picado.
What makes the day really special is how people come together. Neighbors share food and stories, making the celebration feel like one big family gathering. While the holiday started because of a battle, today it’s more about showing pride in Mexican culture and bringing people together to celebrate their tradition.