Cinco de Mayo

American  

[seeng-kaw the mah-yaw] / ˈsiŋ kɔ ðɛ ˈmɑ yɔ /

noun

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

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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

Advertisements lure patrons to restaurants to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Easter with buckets of beer and a variety of seafood, and encourage the adventurous to brave a Halloween obstacle course at a Pilates studio.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The business owner on North Lake Avenue who opened her restaurant on Cinco de Mayo to offer the community an ounce of normalcy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026

On an overcast and drizzly Cinco de Mayo, balloons framed the entrance to El Patron as a mariachi band played.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

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