Fiesta Time! What is Cinco de Mayo and Why Do People Celebrate It?

Break out the tacos, turn up the mariachi, and get ready to raise a glass—Cinco de Mayo is here, and the party is just getting started!

Every year on May 5th, people across the globe—from California to Cork—celebrate this colourful Mexican holiday.

What Is Cinco de Mayo?

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. (That’s September 16th, by the way.) Instead, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

The odds were stacked high - the French army was larger, better equipped, and undefeated at the time. But the Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, pulled off a surprise win.

So Why All the Parties?

While Cinco de Mayo is observed in the Mexican state of Puebla with parades and reenactments, the holiday gained momentum and global flair thanks to the Mexican-American community in the United States.

Over the years, it has transformed into a broader celebration of Mexican culture, pride, and heritage, especially in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston, where you’ll find massive festivals complete with music, folk dancing, and, yes, lots of delicious food.

In recent times, the fiesta has spilled into international borders—including right here in Ireland, where a cheeky margarita and a plate of nachos on May 5th suddenly feels like a cultural must.

Spice Up Your Cinco de Mayo Chat

• Americans consume more than 81 million avocados on Cinco de Mayo each year. That’s a lot of guac!

• The holiday is more widely celebrated in the U.S. than in most of Mexico, aside from Puebla.

• In Chandler, Arizona, they once held a chihuahua race as part of their Cinco de Mayo festival.

• In 2005, the U.S. Congress officially recognised Cinco de Mayo as a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage.

If you're looking to enjoy an authentic Cinco de Mayo experience, here's a guide to some of the best places to celebrate:

Puebla, Mexico 

Puebla is the birthplace of Cinco de Mayo, commemorating the Mexican army's victory over French forces in 1862. The city hosts grand celebrations, including military parades, battle reenactments, and cultural festivals. The Festival Internacional de Puebla features national and international artists, traditional musicians, and dancers, while the Festival Internacional del Mole showcases the city's iconic mole poblano. 

Mexico City 

Mexico City observes Cinco de Mayo with military commemorations at Campo Marte and cultural events throughout the city. Avenida Cinco de Mayo, named after the battle, becomes a focal point for festivities, including concerts, exhibitions, and traditional performances. 

Los Angeles, USA 

Los Angeles hosts Fiesta Broadway, one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States. Held annually in downtown LA, the event features live music, food vendors, and cultural performances, attracting thousands of attendees.

Houston, USA

Houston embraces Cinco de Mayo with a variety of events:

• Cinco de Mayo Weekend at Riverhouse: From May 3–5, enjoy fajitas, street tacos, margaritas, and live music at this patio-style bar and restaurant. (Houston Chronicle)

• LULAC Cinco de Mayo Parade: On May 3, the League of United Latin American Citizens hosts a free downtown parade featuring dancing and Latin music. (Houston Chronicle)

• East End Street Fest: Also on May 3, this festival showcases Mexican and Chicano arts, food, and music from 3 to 9 p.m. (Houston Chronicle)

Getting There from Ireland

While there are no direct flights from Dublin to Puebla or Mexico City, you can reach these destinations with one or two stopovers:

• To Puebla: Fly from Dublin to Mexico City (via major hubs like London or Madrid), then take a domestic flight or bus to Puebla (approximately 2 hours by road).

• To Mexico City: Multiple airlines offer flights from Dublin to Mexico City with one or two stopovers.

• To Los Angeles: Several airlines provide flights from Dublin to Los Angeles with one stopover.

• To Houston: Flights from Dublin to Houston are available with one or two stopovers.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!