Many Latinos know that Cinco de Mayo is about the 1862 Battle and that it's not celebrated in Mexico, but it's widely believed to have been created by Anglos in the late 20th century. In reality, celebrating Cinco de Mayo started right here in California by Mexican Americans 160 years ago.
Laguna Beach Local News
By Lynea Rodriguez
Cinco de Mayo has come and gone, celebrated by many with tacos and margaritas, perhaps a Corona in hand. It’s a day to get together with friends, partake of good food and a few drinks, and celebrate… hmmm … what are we celebrating exactly?
Many people are unaware of the cultural significance of Cinco de Mayo and what the holiday was originally meant to commemorate. A popular misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. Sept. 16 is Mexico’s actual Independence Day and is highly celebrated across the country.
While most would assume that Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday, it is actually an American holiday celebrated across the United States, with only very small, local military type celebrations in Mexico. On May 5, 1862, Mexico defeated the French at the battle at Puebla, essentially stopping Napoléon and the French from reaching Mexico City. The goal of the French was to set up a Monarchy in Mexico an
The History of Cinco de Mayo
Reenactors celebrating 153 years of the Battle of Puebla in Mexico City, on May 5, 2015.
Photo by NurPhoto/Getty Images
Americans might love the holiday, but few know what they’re celebrating.
May 5, 2021
Many Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but how many actually know the story of the holiday?
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo doesn’t mark Mexican Independence, which is celebrated on Sept. 16. Instead, it’s meant to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, which was fought between the Mexican and French armies in 1862.
In Mexico’s long and storied history, the Battle of Puebla is generally considered a fairly minor event. But its legacy lives on a century and a half later, particularly in the United States.