A little reason to celebrate
Cinco de Mayo
Fun · History · May 5
Cinco de Mayo recalls a Mexican army victory at the Battle of Puebla and is marked across the United States with music, dance and food.
Cinco de Mayo falls on Wednesday, May 5, 2027. That is 190 days away.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army defeated a larger French force near the city of Puebla. It is a history day at heart, and it is marked in the United States as well as in Mexico.
In Puebla, the battle is remembered with reenactments and parades. Across the United States the day has grown into a broad celebration of Mexican culture and Mexican American communities, with each town giving it a slightly different flavor.
The sounds are often the first thing you notice. Mariachi bands play trumpets, violins and guitars, and folklórico dancers spin in wide, brightly colored skirts that seem to keep moving after the dancer stops. Papel picado, the cut paper banners strung over streets and patios, flutter overhead.
Food plays a big part. Tacos, tamales, mole and fresh salsas show up at street fairs and family tables. Mole poblano, a rich sauce made with chiles, spices and a little chocolate, is closely tied to the Puebla region, which makes it a fitting dish for the occasion. It takes patience to make from scratch, since many recipes call for a long list of ingredients ground and simmered together.
Some of the best ways to mark the day are local. Community centers, libraries and schools often host dance performances, music or talks about the battle, and these tend to be free and welcoming. A plate of tamales from a neighborhood kitchen tells you more about a place than most guidebooks.
Ways to celebrate
- Look for a local folklórico dance or mariachi performance.
- Try cooking mole poblano or tamales at home.
- Read a short history of the Battle of Puebla.
- Cut simple papel picado banners from tissue paper.
- Share a meal from a family-run Mexican restaurant nearby.
Things for the day
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Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday, May 5 |
| 2027 | Wednesday, May 5 |
| 2028 | Friday, May 5 |
| 2029 | Saturday, May 5 |
| 2030 | Sunday, May 5 |
Also on May 5
Categories: Fun daysHistory days