5 Facts you didn’t know about Cinco de Mayo
Beyond tacos & tequila — the real history and heart of Cinco de Mayo
By Viridiana Marin Marin
1. It’s not Mexican Independence Day!
One of the most common misconceptions is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. It’s not!
Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16, celebrating the 1810 revolution against Spanish rule.
Cinco de Mayo fiesta” honors the Battle of Puebla, where a small Mexican army defeated the powerful French forces on May 5, 1862.
But why were the French even there?
Mexico was in debt after years of internal conflict, and when it paused payments to European countries, France, under Napoleon III, saw an opportunity to invade and try to establish a French empire in the Americas.
On May 5th, 1862, in Puebla, a historic city in central Mexico, southeast of Mexico City, a small and poorly equipped Mexican army faced off against French forces, who were bigger, stronger, and better armed. Against all odds, Mexico won the battle! It was a short-term victory in a much bigger conflict, but it became a lasting symbol of Mexican resistance and orgullo (pride).
2. The Battle of Puebla is sometimes jokingly called La Guerra de los Pasteles (The Pastry War)
In the 1830s, a French pastry chef living in Mexico City claimed Mexican soldiers had trashed his bakery during riots and demanded compensation. When the Mexican government didn’t pay up, France used it as an excuse to invade — in what became known as The Pastry War (1838–1839), a different conflict between Mexico and France!
So while Cinco de Mayo and the Battle of Puebla happened later in 1862, the pastry drama shows that Mexico and France had a history of very… flaky relations.
3. Symbol of resistance, identity, and pride ✊
Though not a national holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo holds cultural meaning, especially in the region of Puebla. It reminds Mexicans (and many others around the world) that courage and resilience can defy even the strongest power.
For many, it’s a time to feel proud of Mexican heritage and remember that our culture survives — and thrives — through every challenge.
4. It’s celebrated more in the U.S. than in Mexico 🗽
Surprising, right?
In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has become one of the biggest celebrations of Mexican-American culture, especially in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston, where large Latino communities host vibrant parades, festivals, and concerts. For example, the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Los Angeles attracts over 300,000 people each year.
Now, the celebration is crossing borders, with events like Mexico Vivo Fest in London, helping to share the culture, music, and traditions with a new audience. 🇲🇽🌎
4. It’s a chance to celebrate and share Mexican culture
Cinco de Mayo is about more than margaritas or sombreros. It’s a beautiful opportunity to learn, respect, and celebrate Mexican culture in all its richness, from language and music to art and history.
So next time you enjoy a taco, hear a mariachi band, or see papel picado fluttering in the breeze — remember the story of Puebla, the spirit of resistance, and the people who keep these traditions alive.
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About the author:
Viridiana Marin Marin
Craftswoman, piñata-maker & cultural storyteller
📍 Based in London
📲 Instagram: @cactus.tudio