Cinco de Mayo
Americannoun
Usage
What and when is Cinco de Mayo? Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday on May 5 that celebrates the victory of Mexican forces during the Battle of Puebla, which occurred on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “Fifth of May” (May 5).Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistakenly thought to be Mexico’s independence day, but Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla. While Cinco de Mayo marks an event in Mexican history, it is widely (and perhaps even more popularly) celebrated in the United States. Mexican Americans celebrate it with parades, parties, and other events highlighting Mexican pride, and Americans without Mexican heritage often observe it by enjoying Mexican cuisine. Still, many Americans simply use it as an excuse for a party, especially for drinking excessively (in much the same way as St. Patrick’s Day).
Etymology
Origin of Cinco de Mayo
< Spanish: May 5
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the meantime, Young is preparing for the clubhouse’s next big event, a Cinco de Mayo street celebration on May 4 with live music, local food vendors and, of course, plenty of vintage Japanese cars.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2025
The barbs Canelo Álvarez and Oscar De la Hoya traded helped bring energy to Álvarez’s Cinco de Mayo weekend fight against quiet boxer Jaime Munguia.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2025
The Dodgers outscored the Braves 20-6 and trailed for only brief spells in what amounted to a three-day fiesta capped by Sunday’s Cinco de Mayo roars.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2024
The United States is gearing up for Cinco de Mayo.
From Seattle Times • May 4, 2024
Taylor clicked her fingers like castanets and the others followed till it sounded like Cinco de Mayo night at the senior home.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
