10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Cinco de Mayo That Will Make You the Star of Your Next Fiesta!
2025-05-05
- Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico's Independence Day - Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo does not commemorate Mexico's independence. That celebration occurs on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo actually marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexican army defeated the French forces.
- The Battle of Puebla was a David vs. Goliath Victory - The Mexican army was significantly outnumbered and under-equipped compared to the French forces. Despite this, they managed to secure a surprising victory, which became a symbol of resistance and unity for the Mexican people.
- It's a Bigger Deal in the U.S. Than in Mexico - While the Battle of Puebla is celebrated in certain parts of Mexico, particularly in the state of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo has become a much larger cultural and commercial holiday in the United States, often associated with Mexican-American pride.
- Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Began in California - The first known Cinco de Mayo celebrations were held by Mexican-Americans in California during the American Civil War as a way to support Mexico's resistance against French rule.
- It's Not a Federal Holiday in Mexico - Unlike Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in Mexico. This means it is not widely observed across the country, and it is generally treated as a regular day for most Mexicans.
- Cinco de Mayo Fueled the Chicano Movement - In the 1960s, Mexican-Americans embraced Cinco de Mayo as a way to celebrate their heritage and to draw attention to their civil rights struggles, making it a pivotal cultural moment in the Chicano Movement.
- Avocados Are a Big Deal on Cinco de Mayo - Americans consume millions of pounds of avocados on Cinco de Mayo, thanks to the popularity of guacamole. In fact, it's one of the biggest days for avocado sales in the U.S.!
- Beer Sales Skyrocket - Cinco de Mayo is one of the top beer-drinking holidays in the United States, alongside the Fourth of July and St. Patrick's Day. Many people raise a glass to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.
- Chihuahua Races Are a Thing - In some parts of the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with chihuahua races, where these adorable little dogs compete for fun and prizes, adding a quirky twist to the festivities.
- The World's Largest Cinco de Mayo Celebration is in Los Angeles - Known as Fiesta Broadway, this event in Los Angeles attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year, making it the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world, featuring live music, food, and cultural events.
Category: Interesting | Topic: Cinco de Mayo | @Wikipedia
