If you’re reading this while holding a margarita, I have some news. You might be celebrating a holiday that isn't quite what you think it is. Honestly, most people in the United States treat the fifth of May like a Mexican version of St. Patrick’s Day—lots of green, white, and red, plenty of tequila, and a vague sense that we’re celebrating independence. But we aren't. Not even close.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That’s September 16th.
So, what is it? It’s a story about a massive underdog, a ragtag army, and a battle in the mud that actually changed the course of American history. It’s a weirdly specific moment in time that somehow morphed from a regional military victory into a global party.
The Battle of Puebla: 2,000 vs. 6,000
Let’s go back to 1862. Mexico was broke. They owed a lot of money to Europe, and while Great Britain and Spain eventually backed off, Napoleon III of France saw an opportunity. He wanted to carve out an empire in the Americas. He sent the French army—the most powerful military force in the world at the time—to march on Mexico City.
The French hadn't lost a major battle in nearly 50 years. They were confident. Maybe a bit too confident.
General Ignacio Zaragoza, leading a poorly equipped Mexican force of roughly 2,000 men, met the 6,000-strong French army at the town of Puebla. The Mexican soldiers were mostly locals, many of them Indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec people. They were outgunned. They were outnumbered. But on May 5, 1862, against every logical prediction, they won.
It was a blowout. The French retreated.
Wait. Did this win the war? No. The French came back a year later with 30,000 troops, took Mexico City, and installed Maximilian I as Emperor. But that original victory at Puebla became a symbol of resistance. It proved that the "unbeatable" Europeans could be humbled.
Interesting Facts About Cinco de Mayo and the American Civil War
Here is the part most history books skip: Cinco de Mayo might have saved the United States.
In 1862, the U.S. was tearing itself apart in the Civil War. Napoleon III wasn't just interested in Mexico; he wanted to support the Confederacy. He needed Southern cotton, and he wanted a divided U.S. to prevent a rival power from growing too strong in the West.
Had the French crushed Mexico at Puebla in 1862, they would have had a clear path to provide the Confederacy with supplies, weapons, and diplomatic recognition. Because the Mexican army delayed the French at Puebla, Napoleon’s plans were pushed back by a full year. By the time the French were finally established in Mexico, the Union had gained the upper hand in the Civil War.
Basically, Mexican bravery at Puebla helped ensure that the Confederacy didn't get a powerful European ally.
Why Do We Celebrate It More Than Mexico Does?
If you go to Mexico City on May 5th, it’s a normal day. Banks are open. People go to work. Aside from some military parades and a massive reenactment in the actual city of Puebla, the holiday is relatively low-key south of the border.
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In the U.S., it’s a different story.
The holiday actually gained traction in California in the 1860s. Mexican miners and citizens living in the West heard about the victory over the French and celebrated it as a win for democracy and freedom. It was a way to show solidarity with their homeland while also signaling their opposition to slavery and the Confederacy.
Fast forward to the 1960s and 70s. The Chicano Movement adopted Cinco de Mayo as a source of ethnic pride. It was about identity. It was about the "David vs. Goliath" spirit.
Then, the 1980s happened.
Marketing executives at beer companies realized they could turn the day into a massive sales event. They spent millions of dollars on "Cinco Drinko" campaigns. They commercialized it. Suddenly, a day about military resistance became a day about half-price appetizers.
The Avocado Connection
Believe it or not, your guacamole consumption is tracked by economists. According to the California Avocado Commission, Americans consume roughly 80 million pounds of avocados during the week of Cinco de Mayo.
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That’s a lot of toast.
But it’s not just about the fruit. The holiday has become a cornerstone of the "Latino GDP." In the U.S., Mexican-American businesses and cultural exports see a massive surge in May. While some argue the holiday has been over-commercialized—and they have a point—it also provides a massive platform for Mexican cuisine and art to take center stage in the American consciousness.
Mole, Not Tacos
If you want to be authentic, put down the hard-shell taco.
In Puebla, the traditional dish for the day is Mole Poblano. It’s a complex, rich sauce made with chili peppers, spices, and chocolate. It’s thick, dark, and takes forever to make correctly. It represents the literal blending of cultures—Indigenous ingredients mixed with Old World spices.
Other things you’ll see in Puebla:
- The Reenactment: Thousands of people dress in period costumes to simulate the battle.
- The Music: It’s not just Mariachi. You’ll hear traditional folk music specific to the region.
- The Pride: It’s a somber, respectful pride, distinct from the party vibe in Los Angeles or Chicago.
Common Misconceptions to Retire
We should probably stop saying it’s the "Mexican Fourth of July." It isn't.
Another weird myth? That the "Titanic" was carrying a huge shipment of mayonnaise that was supposed to go to Mexico for the holiday (the "Sinko de Mayo" joke). It’s a funny pun, but it’s completely made up. Mayonnaise wasn't even a thing in Mexico back then.
Also, don't call it "Cinco de Drinko." Just don't. It’s kinda cringey.
How to Celebrate Without Being "That Person"
If you want to honor the day without falling into the trap of cultural appropriation or historical ignorance, keep it simple. Support authentic Mexican-owned businesses. Read up on General Zaragoza (who, interestingly, was born in what is now Goliad, Texas).
Acknowledge the grit of the 2,000 soldiers who stood their ground against an empire.
Understand that the holiday is a celebration of sovereignty. It’s about the right of a people to rule themselves without foreign interference. That’s a sentiment that resonates everywhere, whether you’re in Puebla or Pennsylvania.
Actionable Steps for May 5th:
- Check the History: Spend five minutes looking at a map of the Battle of Puebla. Seeing how the forts (Guadalupe and Loreto) were positioned helps you realize how much of a tactical miracle the victory was.
- Eat Locally: Skip the massive national chains. Find a "Mom and Pop" Mexican restaurant in your neighborhood. Try the Mole.
- Support Mexican Artists: Whether it’s music, literature, or visual art, use the day to explore the actual culture of Mexico beyond the stereotypes.
- Teach the Context: If you’re at a party and someone mentions "Independence Day," politely let them know the truth. You’ll be the nerd at the party, but at least you’ll be the correct nerd.
The real story of Cinco de Mayo is actually much cooler than the version we usually see on TV. It’s a story of survival, tactical brilliance, and an accidental assist to the United States during its darkest hour. It’s a day that belongs to the underdogs.
Source References:
- The Battle of Puebla, National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Mexico.
- Cinco de Mayo: A Global History, David E. Hayes-Bautista, University of California Press.
- The Mexican Empire, Smithsonian Institution archives regarding Napoleon III and Maximilian I.