May 5th is widely recognized in the United States for celebrating Mexican culture, often leading to the misconception that it is Mexico’s Independence Day. Mexico’s most important national holiday is Día de la Independencia, celebrated on September 16th. The May 5th observance commemorates a specific historical military victory, not the start of the nation’s independence movement. Understanding what Mexicans call this day requires focusing on the historical event it honors.
The Battle of Puebla and the Holiday’s Name
Mexicans refer to the day as Cinco de Mayo, meaning “The Fifth of May.” More formally, especially in official contexts, the day is known as Día de la Batalla de Puebla, or the Day of the Battle of Puebla. This name references the event it commemorates: the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire on May 5, 1862.
The battle occurred when a poorly equipped Mexican force of about 4,000 men, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully defended the city of Puebla. They faced a much larger and better-armed French army of 6,500 to 8,000 soldiers. This victory was a morale boost for the Mexican people and symbolized national unity against foreign intervention. However, the victory did not end the war, as French forces returned a year later to defeat the Mexican army and occupy Mexico City.
National Significance in Mexico
Cinco de Mayo is not observed as a federal holiday across Mexico. For the majority of the country, banks, government offices, and most private businesses remain open on May 5th. The day is generally a minor national observance compared to the patriotic fervor of the September 16th Independence Day celebrations.
The only exception to the national work schedule is that all public schools nationwide are closed. The day is officially recognized as a holiday only in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place.
The Focus of Mexican Celebrations
The most significant celebrations for Cinco de Mayo take place almost exclusively in the city of Puebla. The city marks the event with a large-scale military parade featuring thousands of participants, including soldiers, students, and floats. This parade often includes historical reenactments of the 1862 battle, with participants dressing as both French and Mexican soldiers.
The commemoration in Puebla is a regional festival that also includes cultural events and food fairs. For example, the Festival Internacional del Mole highlights the city’s iconic mole poblano dish. Outside of Puebla, the observance is far more subdued, often limited to small civic ceremonies or educational events in schools. In Mexico, the day is understood as a regional celebration of a specific military triumph, rather than a major national holiday.