Cinco de Mayo

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Cinco de Mayo celebration, 2019

The true meaning of Cinco de Mayo

Chicken enmoladas covered with mole poblano

Cinco de Mayo festivities in Denver, one of the many U.S. cities that celebrate the Mexican holiday.

View the Mariachi Northwestern performing “Cielito Lindo,” a classic mariachi song

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Dancers at a Cinco de Mayo festival at the Mission District, San Francisco, California. (Photo dated 2019.) holidays

Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico's Independence Day?

Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo. General Porfirio Diaz leads Mexican cavalry to victory against the French lead by General Charles Lorencez at Puebla, Mexico April 2, 1867. Oil on canvas, 1902. May 5, 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza

A scary old jack-o-lantern on black. Halloween pumpkin, trick or treat. Halloween holiday

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A group of diverse individuals, who represent various occupations, stand with their arms raised in the air. labor day; laborers; construction worker; teacher; nurse; doctor; assistant; office staff; blue collar; workforce

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Christopher Columbus kneeling, holding flag and sword with two other men holding flags. There are other men on land and in boats behind Columbus and three ships in background. On the island named San Salvador by Columbus, later called Watling Island.

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Ethel Rosenberg arrested in August 1950. Photograph dated Aug. 8, 1950. American civilians executed for espionage. Spies, communists, Julius Rosenberg

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Dancers at a Cinco de Mayo festival at the Mission District, San Francisco, California. (Photo dated 2019.) holidays

Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico's Independence Day?

Queen Elizabeth II addresses at opening of Parliament. (Date unknown on photo, but may be 1958, the first time the opening of Parliament was filmed.)

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Cuban Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) single adult male, Zapata peninsula, Cuba, Caribbean.Bee hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world.

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The Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. (Civil War, Pennsylvania)

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Cinco de Mayo: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: May 05, 2025

Facts

Also Known As	Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla

Did You Know?

Approximately one year after the Battle of Puebla, the French regained control of Puebla.
In Denver and Chandler, chihuahua races are part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Photos and Videos

Cinco de Mayo celebration, 2019

Chicken enmoladas covered with mole poblano

Cinco de Mayo festivities in Denver, one of the many U.S. cities that celebrate the Mexican holiday.

The true meaning of Cinco de Mayo

View the Mariachi Northwestern performing “Cielito Lindo,” a classic mariachi song

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

Mexico May holiday Day of the Dead Dragon Boat Festival Independence Day Qingming Festival Children’s Day Songkran Independence Day Tết Bihu Thanksgiving Day

Demystified

Dancers at a Cinco de Mayo festival at the Mission District, San Francisco, California. (Photo dated 2019.) holidays

Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico's Independence Day?