Skip to Content

Cinco de Mayo Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Here’s a look at Cinco de Mayo which commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on May 5 every year.

About

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the fifth of May.

The Mexican army under the command of Ignacio Zaragoza, despite being smaller and ill-equipped, won the battle at the town of Puebla — about 85 miles east of Mexico City.

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s independence day from Spain, which occurred in 1810 and is celebrated on September 16.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is observed with political speeches and battle re-enactments.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the day became identified with the Chicano rights movement in the United States, especially in the state of California.

READ: Cinco de Mayo history: Not exactly a Mexican import

The day became one to celebrate Hispanic heritage.

In many cities in the United States, there are parades and festivities featuring mariachi music, dancing and Mexican food.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

Article Topic Follows: CNN-Other

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content