Cinco de Mayo: 6 Things Most People Are Wrong About

Cinco de Mayo is Not Mexico's Biggest Holiday

When it comes to big holidays, Mexican Independence Day (September 16) takes the cake in terms of nationwide significance. Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in Puebla, where the historic battle took place. Veracruz also has a little love for the holiday, but outside those areas? Crickets. In fact, much of Mexico carries on with its regular routine, completely unfazed by the U.S.-style party train barreling down from the north.

Cinco de Mayo Does Not Mark the End of French Occupation

Wouldn't it be nice if Cinco de Mayo were some grand moment when the French packed their bags and left? Alas, no such luck. The Battle of Puebla was a huge victory for Mexico, but it didn't exactly expel the French from Mexico. France won subsequent battles, eventually occupying Mexico City and establishing a short-lived rule. The French didn't truly leave until 1867, several years later. So, while Cinco de Mayo is a victory for Mexican morale, it's far from a decisive end to French occupation.

The Largest Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Are Not in Mexico

The biggest Cinco de Mayo celebrations happen in the United States, not Mexico. The grandest fiestas take place in cities like Los Angeles, which hosts parades, concerts, and endless taco trucks. In contrast, Mexico's own celebrations are more subdued and grounded in history. 

Everyone in Mexico Does Not Party With Tequila and Tacos on May 5

You know how it goes: people in sombreros with margaritas and tacos in hand, thinking they're living their best "Cinco de Mayo experience." But that's not how Mexico does it. In Puebla, for instance, the traditional fare involves more refined dishes like mole poblano (a rich, complex sauce with chocolate and chili) and non-alcoholic beverages like agua fresca. Cinco de Mayo as Americans know it is a very recent, very commercialized event. It's a U.S. spin, not a Mexican tradition.

Cinco de Mayo Hasn't Always Been a Major U.S. Holiday

You might assume that Cinco de Mayo has been a big deal in the U.S. since forever, but that's not the case. It wasn't until the 1960s, when Mexican-American civil rights activists adopted it as a symbol of resistance and cultural pride, that the holiday took on the life of its own we know today. Even then, it wasn't the tequila-fueled fiesta we associate with the day now. It wasn't until corporate interests jumped on the bandwagon-hello, beer companies!-that Cinco de Mayo started to become a more commercialized phenomenon in the U.S.