Cinco de Mayo celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a major battle of the Second Franco-Mexican War which took place on May 5, 1862. Check out our previous articles on Cinco de Mayo for more information on the holiday’s history, customs, and how it’s very different from Día de la Independencia (Mexico’s Independence Day).
The first Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States were held in 1863, as Mexican-American communities in Southern California got the news of the victory in Puebla. Due to the ceding of considerable amounts of land from Mexico to the U.S. as a result of the Mexican-American War less than 20 years prior, many had formerly been Mexican citizens or were one generation removed from being so, making Mexico’s surprise triumph over the French army very personal for them and their families. Today, Cinco de Mayo as a holiday is arguably more popular in the U.S. than it is in its native Mexico, since it has long doubled as a celebration of Mexican-American heritage and culture as a whole.
Cinco de Mayo is not a federal holiday in the U.S. (or in Mexico, for that matter), so you can expect transportation, businesses, banks, and government buildings to be operating on normal hours. However, if you plan to go out to eat, especially at a Mexican restaurant, it’s best to make reservations ahead of time: it’s a popular holiday for parties and outings! Many restaurants will have special deals for the occasion.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy, and Happy Cinco de Mayo!
