On 5 May people of Mexican ancestry will celebrate Cinco de Mayo, which means literally Fifth of May. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican Army’s difficult victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on 5 May 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico, the United States, also in other countries with significant Mexican population.

In Mexico, especially in Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by holding a parade and historical reenactment of the battle. Afterwards meals are served. Every year the Festival Internacional de Puebla is also held, gathering national and international artists, traditional musicians and dancers. As well as the Festival Internacional del Mole, with an emphasis on the city’s iconic mole poblano, the renowned traditional sauce used in Mexican cuisine.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by holding festivals of Mexican culture and heritage, such as baile folklórico or folkloric dance and mariachi demonstration. Schools hold special events to educate students about Cinco de Mayo historical significance. People wear Mexican traditional clothes, and some will also bring maracas. Houses are decorated with Mexican-style decorations such as red, white, and green streamers from the colors of Mexican flag. In parties, piñata filled with candies or small toys are hang to be broken by children. Mexican cuisine is served such as guacamole, Mexican flan, Sopes, chicked fajitas, chalupa, enchiladas, burritos, and margarita.

Even if you do not celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you could still share the spirit by learning more about Mexican culture and heritage. You could also join the festival and watch the amazing mariachi performances. Or learning to cook various Mexican cuisine. Who knows, maybe you will become a Mexican cuisine lover!

What about you? Tell us your favorite Cinco de Mayo activity, or share your most memorable Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!