Celebrating the vibrant festivities of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, meaning ‘fifth of May,’ is a Mexican holiday commemorating the Battle of Puebla where the Mexican army triumphed over the French.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo is an annual Mexican holiday celebrated on 5 May. While its origins come from the Mexican victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla, it is now more commonly celebrated with festivals and food.

Due to its importance this holiday is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is in September. Cinco de Mayo honours a particular battle in Mexico’s struggle for sovereignty, but it is not the date of the country’s independence.

What is the history of Cinco de Mayo?

On 5 May 1862, more than 2,000 Mexican soldiers claimed victory over 6,000 French soldiers during the Battle of Puebla. The French set out to invade Mexico in 1861 (along with Spain and England) because the president had defaulted on the country’s loan repayments to these countries.

By May 1862 the English and Spanish had withdrawn, and when Mexican soldiers defeated French troops on 5 May Mexico’s president Benito Juárez announced the day as a national holiday.

How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?

Traditionally, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated across Mexico and the United States. You can expect to see plenty of colourful attire, traditional food, and festival-like celebrations full of music and joy.

People like to attend parades with colourful displays of dancers and lively Mexican folk music, such as a mariachi bands.

Food is also an essential part of the celebrations, and one of Mexico’s most famous ingredients – avocados – are enjoyed as guacamole.

Mole poblano is also the official dish of Cinco de Mayo. It is a dark, rich, savoury sauce often served with meats like chicken or turkey and flavoured rice. Those celebrating also like to enjoy the following:

• Chilaquiles: A popular dish made with fried corn tortillas and salsa
• Tamales: Steamed cornmeal dough pouches filled with meat or cheese and wrapped in corn husks
• Carnitas: Slow-cooked shredded pork served in tacos or on its own
• Mexican street corn (elote): Grilled corn on the cob with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese and chilli powder

Due to the Latino influence across the United States, Cinco de Mayo celebrations have reached some popular American food chains. Places such as Taco Bell, Chili’s, and Chuy’s often have a celebration meal.

How to wish someone a happy Cinco de Mayo

if you would like to wish someone well in Cinco de Mayo, here are a few phrases you can try in English and Spanish.

• “Happy Cinco de Mayo”
• “¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!”
• “¡Que tengas un feliz Cinco de Mayo!” (May you have a happy Cinco de Mayo)

We wish all students, staff and alumni celebrating a very happy Cinco de Mayo full of good food and great music!