Spoiler alert: It involves France, tacos (eventually), and a little bit of confusion.
Every year, on May 5th, people across the United States throw on sombreros, sip margaritas, and yell “¡Cinco de Mayo!” like it’s Mexican Fourth of July. Only… it’s not.
Let’s clear this up once and for all.
So, what is Cinco de Mayo actually about?
Cinco de Mayo—literally “5th of May”—commemorates a very specific event in Mexican history: the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. On that day, a scrappy, outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French forces of Napoleon III. It was a classic underdog win—think David vs. Goliath, but with bayonets and mustaches.
Here’s the quick background: Mexico had just come out of a brutal civil war and was broke (like, “we-can’t-pay-our-debts” broke). France, seeing an opportunity, decided to invade and install a puppet emperor (fancy!). The French had one of the most powerful armies in the world at the time. Everyone expected them to steamroll right through.
But then came General Ignacio Zaragoza and his ragtag troops in Puebla. Against all odds, they beat the French army on May 5, 1862. It wasn’t the end of the war, but it was a huge morale boost. In fact, the victory was so unexpected, even the French had to pause and say, “Wait, what just happened?”
So yeah, Cinco de Mayo is about a military victory. A proud, powerful moment in Mexican history—but not the country’s independence day.
Wait, it’s not Mexican Independence Day?
Nope. That would be September 16, 1810—more than 50 years earlier—when Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell and called for revolution against Spanish rule. That’s the real deal. In Mexico, Día de la Independencia is a big, national celebration. Think fireworks, parades, civic ceremonies, and yes, lots of food.
Meanwhile, Cinco de Mayo? In most parts of Mexico, it’s kind of… not a big deal. Except in Puebla, where the actual battle took place, it’s more like a regional commemoration than a national holiday. No nationwide school closings. No major street parties. Honestly, it’s bigger in California than in Cancún.
So, why do we celebrate it so much in the U.S.?
Ah, now this is where it gets interesting. Cinco de Mayo became a thing in the U.S. thanks to Mexican-American communities—especially in California—who saw the Battle of Puebla as a symbol of Mexican pride and resistance. It gained traction during the 1960s civil rights movement as a way to celebrate cultural identity.
Then, sometime around the 1980s, American beer companies said, “Hey, people like celebrating! What if we make this a party?” And boom—Cinco de Mayo went mainstream. Suddenly it was all about fiestas, drink specials, mariachi music, and “authentic” Mexican food served by people in fake mustaches.
Capitalism strikes again.
Now, don’t get us wrong—celebrating culture and heritage is a good thing. But it’s important to know what we’re celebrating and why. Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture more than a specific historical event. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with throwing a party—as long as it’s respectful and informed.
So how should we celebrate?
Great question. First, let’s retire the stereotypes. No, not all Mexicans wear sombreros, ride donkeys, or shout “¡Ay caramba!” That’s cartoon nonsense.
Instead, use Cinco de Mayo as an opportunity to:
Support local Mexican-owned businesses (like the ones right here in Westminster, California 👀).
Learn about real Mexican history—beyond the surface-level stuff.
Eat actual Mexican food (and no, Taco Bell doesn’t count).
Listen to Mexican music—mariachi, banda, norteño, or even some Vicente Fernández classics.
Introduce your kids (and your friends) to the richness of Mexican culture—from art to literature to cinema.
Fun Fact: L.A. has the biggest Cinco de Mayo party in the U.S.
Los Angeles doesn’t mess around. Their annual Fiesta Broadway celebration attracts hundreds of thousands of people. It’s part concert, part street fair, part cultural festival—all to honor Mexican heritage and the spirit of community.
And guess what? That spirit is alive right here in Westminster, too. We’ve got amazing local businesses, family-run taquerías, and community leaders who keep the culture strong all year long.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day. That’s September 16.
It celebrates Mexico’s unlikely victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
In Mexico, it’s not widely celebrated—mainly just in Puebla.
In the U.S., it became a symbol of Mexican-American pride, and then, eventually, a party.
You can celebrate respectfully by supporting local Latino businesses, enjoying real Mexican food, and ditching the stereotypes.
Final Thoughts.
Cinco de Mayo is more than an excuse for $2 margaritas (though we won’t say no). It’s a reminder of resilience, culture, and pride. And when you support local—especially here in Westminster—you’re helping that culture thrive.
So next time someone says, “Happy Mexican Independence Day!” on May 5th, you can hit them with some truth, a smile, and maybe a taco.
Do you want to check some Mexican Restaurants in Westminster and surrounding cities? Check the next link: https://shoplocalwestminstercalifornia.com/listing-categories/mexican-restaurant/
To know more about the “Cinco de Mayo Celebration” in Mexico and the United States. Check the next link of Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo
