Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo—May 5—is a festive, lively Mexican celebration that has become increasingly popular in the United States. Although many believe it to be Mexico’s Independence Day, May 5 actually represents Mexico’s victory over France at the battle of Puebla in 1862. The following resources summarize the history of the holiday, and highlight some contemporary celebrations. Find out how and where to enjoy Cinco de Mayo through links to prominent festivals nationwide, or use the sources below to plan your own fiesta. For teachers, the Guide offers links to lesson plans and eco-friendly crafts. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsHistory and Traditions of Cinco de Mayo
Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza’s victory over the French on May 5, 1862, symbolizes Mexico’s long and arduous resistance against European invaders. Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico and across the United States. The links below outline the traditions and significance of Cinco de Mayo from both a historical and a contemporary perspective.
Dulcinea's Insight
- An article from National Geographic examines the evolution of Cinco de Mayo. The article indicates that the Mexican holiday has become increasingly popular in the United States, and that the significance of the celebration has shifted as a result.
Dulcinea's Picks
The University of California at Los Angeles
briefly explains the key historical figures, facts and events of Cinco de Mayo.
The History Channel
Web site hosts a feature on the history of Cinco de Mayo, complete with photos and maps of Mexico. Be sure to watch the Cinco de Mayo video series that explains the history of the date and documents current Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Because Cinco de Mayo has become so popular in the United States, many U.S. cities host elaborate celebrations and festivals on May 5, complete with pageants, parades and eating contests. Below is a list of cities with some of the biggest Cinco de Mayo scenes.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many of the following Web sites suggest specific Cinco de Mayo celebrations: if you’re interested in discovering Cinco de Mayo events in locations not mentioned here, use findingDulcinea’s Nightlife Web Guide to locate smaller events on May 5.
- If you plan on booking a trip to attend any of these Cinco de Mayo festivities, refer to findingDulcinea’s Travel Web Guide for help planning your excursion.
Dulcinea's Picks
For Puebla, Mexico …
Mexperience
is a Mexican travel resource with a special section on travel to Puebla. Use this site to familiarize yourself with what Puebla has to offer, including hotels, attractions and restaurants. This resource can help you make the most of the city at the heart of the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Learn more about the day’s events by contacting the Puebla Tourist Information Office.
Helium
offers several articles detailing the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Puebla. Learn about the Civic Military Parade, including where it begins and how to catch a glimpse or participate. Scroll to the bottom of this entry for more articles on Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Puebla. All of the information presented here is user-generated, so double-check with the Puebla tourist office if you have specific itinerary questions.
For Santa Barbara, California …
The Santa Barbara Cinco de Mayo Festival
includes art, music, dancing and crafts. Read “Entertainment & Events” for festival details. Or go to “Pictures” for a look at past Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
For San Francisco, California …
Mission Neighborhood Centers
host the Cinco de Mayo festival in San Francisco. The “Kick-off Celebration” section promises an extensive menu with bocaditos, antojitos, gorditas, empanadas and lots of margaritas. With so many visiting dancers and musicians, the “Entertainment” is equally substantial.
For San Marco, Texas …
Viva! Cinco de Mayo
celebrates May 5 in San Marcos, Texas. The schedule includes a menudo cook-off, a parade, a beauty pageant that crowns Little Miss Cinco de Mayo, live music and Mexican folk dancers.
For Washington, D.C. …
Maru Montero Dance Company
performs every year in Washington, D.C., and hosts a Cinco de Mayo festival with traditional music and dancing at the Washington Monument. Crafts like piñata- and puppet-making entertain younger visitors. Latin American food is served and Mexican cowboys and cowgirls show off their costumes and horses near the main stage.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Home
Throw your own Cinco de Mayo celebration, complete with colorful activities, music and authentic dishes. Below you’ll find resources for hosting a party, including how to plan a traditional Mexican meal, arts and crafts to make with kids, and clever decorations to put up around the house.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For more menu and recipe suggestions, have a look at findingDulcinea’s Mexican Cuisine Web Guide. The Liquor and Cocktails Web Guide can help you make the perfect margarita, while the Beer Web Guide points you to Web sites that sell cases of Corona.
- If you’re looking for more advice on throwing a party, visit findingDulcinea’s Web Guide to Hosting a Party.
Dulcinea's Picks
For party-planning advice …
Evite
suggests party ideas for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Get tips on decorations, activities and menu items, including how to make a margarita. The site even recommends ten songs to create the perfect Cinco de Mayo ambiance.
For a Cinco de Mayo menu …
Food Network
suggests a complete Cinco de Mayo menu with recipe suggestions from celebrity chefs. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Emeril’s Kahlua Flan, although Michael Chiarello’s Mango Margarita seems equally tasty.
Allrecipes
gives a bit of background on the Mexican celebration and Mexican cuisine before suggesting some Cinco de Mayo recipes. The site includes insightful tips for tackling basics like salsa, margaritas, fajitas and flan. Use the search engine to locate a recipe with any type of ingredient.
To make crafts and decorations …
Kaboose
lists crafts to make with the kids, like sombreros, a decorative Mexican flag and maracas. Every craft suggestion comes with pictures and step-by-step directions.
Mother Nature Network
Mother Nature Network has assembled links to instructions for eco-friendly crafts for Cinco de Mayo.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
