Cinco de Mayo: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It's Celebrated

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo means “the fifth of May” in Spanish. The date marks one specific event: Mexico’s military victory over the French Imperial Army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is a cultural celebration. It honors Mexican heritage and pride. It is especially popular in the United States, where Mexican-American communities have observed it since the 1860s.

This is not Mexican Independence Day

This holiday is often confused with Mexican Independence Day on September 16, which marks Mexico’s 1810 declaration of independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo celebrates a different event—a battle against France 52 years later.

Holiday	Date	What It Marks
Cinco de Mayo	May 5	Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla (1862)
Mexican Independence Day	September 16	Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain (1810)

The History Behind Cinco de Mayo

In the late 1850s, Mexico suspended foreign debt payments, prompting France under Napoleon III to invade in 1861 to expand its influence in the Americas. On May 5, 1862, Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated superior French troops at Puebla.

How Cinco de Mayo Is Celebrated?

In Mexico

Celebrations in Puebla include:

Military parades.
Historical reenactments of the Battle of Puebla.
Civic ceremonies honoring General Zaragoza.
Traditional music and dance performances.
Local festivals and open-air markets.

It is not a federal public holiday. Schools, banks, and government offices remain open.

In the United States

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a large cultural event. Mexican-American communities in California began celebrating the Battle of Puebla victory in the 1860s shortly after it happened. Today, major Cinco de Mayo events take place across the country. Cities with large Mexican-American populations host some of the biggest celebrations.

US celebrations typically include street festivals, live mariachi music, folklórico dance performances, traditional Mexican food, and cultural exhibitions.

Traditional Cinco de Mayo Foods

Food plays a central role in Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Many traditional dishes trace back to the Puebla region — the site of the historic battle. Several of the most iconic drinks on the table come directly from Mexico’s rich botanical heritage.

Food or Drink	What It Is
Mole Poblano	A rich sauce from Puebla made with dried chili peppers, chocolate, and spices. One of Mexico’s most complex dishes.
Tacos	Corn or flour tortillas filled with seasoned meats, beans, or vegetables.
Tamales	Corn masa dough filled with meat or cheese, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed.
Chiles en Nogada	Poblano peppers stuffed with spiced meat and fruit, topped with walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. The red, white, and green presentation mirrors the Mexican flag.
Guacamole	A dip made from avocado, lime, onion, cilantro, and chili pepper.
Agua de Jamaica	A deep red infusion made from dried Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers, served chilled with water and a touch of sweetener. How to Make Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea)
Manzanilla Tea	Chamomile — called manzanilla across Mexico and Latin America — is traditionally served after heavy meals.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Cultural Traditions

Mariachi Music

Mariachi bands feature violins, trumpets, guitars, and guitarrón. Originating from Jalisco, this UNESCO-recognized heritage defines Cinco de Mayo sound.

Ballet Folklórico

Dancers in regional costumes perform state-specific routines. The Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican Hat Dance) from Jalisco is the iconic national dance.

Papel Picado

“Perforated paper” decorations cut from colorful tissue hang at festivals. At Cinco de Mayo, they pair with flags, banners, and marigold garlands.

Mexico’s Botanical Traditions

Mexico has a deep herbal history shaped by Indigenous knowledge, regional food culture, and everyday household remedies. Many plants used in celebrations and cooking today have been part of Mexican life for centuries.

**Jamaica: Hibiscus (*Hibiscus sabdariffa***)

Jamaica (pronounced ha-MY-kah) is the Spanish name for dried hibiscus flowers. Agua de Jamaica — hibiscus water is one of Mexico’s most iconic and widely consumed drinks. Hibiscus is consumed throughout Mexico year-round. It is an essential part of celebrations, street markets, and family tables.

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**Manzanilla: Chamomile (*Matricaria chamomilla***)

Manzanilla is the Spanish word for chamomile. In Mexico, chamomile tea is one of the most commonly consumed herbal beverages, found in every market, pharmacy, and kitchen across the country. Mexican households have used it for generations after rich, heavy meals.

See chamomile at Herb To Body

Cempasúchil and Calendula: The Marigold Connection

A popular after-meal tea in Mexican homes, often enjoyed for its soothing flavor. Calendula officinalis is the medicinal species. It contains faradiol triterpenoids, isorhamnetin flavonoids, and lutein carotenoids.

Damiana

Turnera diffusa is a Mexican herb long used in traditional herbal practice and wellness traditions. Damiana is valued for relaxation and general wellness support.*

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Celebrate with Traditional Botanicals

Mexican Botanical	Spanish Name	Traditional Role
Hibiscus sabdariffa	Jamaica	Used to make agua de Jamaica, a bright red cold drink.
Matricaria chamomilla	Manzanilla	A common after-meal tea in Mexican homes.
Tagetes erecta	Cempasúchil	A festive flower used in celebrations and decorations.
Turnera diffusa	Damiana	A native herb used in traditional herbal practice.

Bottom Line

Cinco de Mayo vibrantly celebrates victory and resilience. Bridging cultures as people in Mexico and the U.S. unite in perseverance. Festivities shine through community joy and traditional foods, from rich mole poblano to refreshing hibiscus water. Bringing people together to appreciate a deep and colorful heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does Cinco de Mayo mean in English?

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “the fifth of May.” The name refers to the date of the Battle of Puebla. When Mexican forces under General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French Imperial Army in the city of Puebla, Mexico.

Why is Cinco de Mayo more popular in the US than in Mexico?

It began as a show of solidarity for Mexico among Californians in the 1860s. In the 1980s and 90s, commercial marketing by beverage companies helped it transition into a mainstream American celebration.

What is agua de Jamaica made from?

Agua de Jamaica is made from dried Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers called Jamaica in Mexico. The dried calyxes are steeped in hot water, sweetened, and served chilled. The deep red color comes from anthocyanins in the hibiscus flower.

Why is it so popular in the U.S.?

Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico’s Independence Day?

No. Independence Day is September 16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a military victory over France that occurred 52 years later.

What herbs are traditionally used in Mexican celebrations?

Hibiscus sabdariffa for agua de Jamaica, Matricaria chamomilla for manzanilla tea, Tagetes erecta for festival altars, and Dysphania ambrosioides in Puebla dishes.

Disclaimer: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.