Cinco de Mayo

[seeng-kaw the mah-yaw]

noun

1. a Mexican holiday marking the victory of Mexican troops over French forces in Puebla, Mexico, on May 5, 1862.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cinco de Mayo¹

< Spanish: May 5

When To Use

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).