05/05/2026
What do we celebrate on Cinco de Mayo?
Hi there! As many of you already know, Yunny and Tary Alteration is a business proudly funded by Mexican heritage where we treat our customers like family. Today as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, we would like to bring you some of the history behind it.
What is celebrated on May 5th? Or Cinco de Mayo? Is it Mexico’s Independence Day? How does the Mexican community celebrate this holiday? and most importantly, will customers receive $1.00 margaritas if you visit us on this day? Answer to the last question, sadly, is no. However we will leave you a small blog explaining the other questions.
You will be surprised to know that because of its popularity, people outside of Mexico assume this day is celebrated for Mexico’s independence from Spain. However, Independence Day is September 16th. On this day in 1810, Miguel Hidalgo (a catholic priest) gave a rallying cry which spurred the country to fight for the independence. This Cry or “Grito” is reenacted by the Mexican President and local National Palace in every city, every year.
So, what is celebrated on Cinco de Mayo if it’s not Mexico’s Independence Day?
After the independence in Mexico, conflict and debt arose. In 1860s, France saw an opportunity to conquer another colony and on May 5th, 1862, a French army entered the city of Puebla looking for victory. However, a group of indigenous soldiers defended and fought the French troops in one day. This is now known as the Battle of Puebla. France of course tried to conquer multiple times, but this battle showed that the people of Mexico couldn’t be conquered. Therefore, we now celebrate 5 de Mayo.
Now, you may think Cinco de Mayo is a huge celebration in Mexico, but this is also incorrect. Cinco de Mayo is not even a federal holiday in Mexico, in fact, it is a very ordinary day for most. Businesses and banks stay open and a big percentage of the country does not celebrate it. The only celebration you will experience if you visit Mexico, is in the city of Puebla as this was the center of the battle. Today reenactments and military parades are organized to celebrate the historic win.
But if it’s not a huge celebration in Mexico, how come it’s very well known and celebrated in the U.S.?
In 1960s a Chicano (an American of Mexican origin or descent) activist made this holiday famous to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Today we celebrate the Mexican Identity rather than remembering the Battle of Puebla. However, learning this important fact about Mexico will help you appreciate this holiday. The battle of Puebla shows the passionate love Mexicans have for their country and this is what this beautiful holiday represents.
