Cinco de Mayo

Early Celebrations

The initial observances of Cinco de Mayo began shortly after the Battle of Puebla, particularly among Mexican miners and Americans in California. Gary Arndt explains that the first celebration in 1863 was used to raise money and recruit men to fight the French, reflecting the fight for freedom in both Mexico and the United States. The celebration continued annually among the Mexican community in California, even as it fell out of favor in Mexico after the fall of Porfirio Diaz in 1911 1.

After World War Two, the day was adopted by Mexican American groups in California as a day to celebrate their cultural identity and pride.

--- Gary Arndt

The holiday spread to other U.S. cities with large Mexican American populations in the 1950s and 1960s, eventually becoming commercialized in the 1970s.

   

Modern Celebrations

Today, Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the United States rather than Mexico. Gary Arndt notes that the holiday is often compared to St. Patrick's Day, as both have become more about cultural celebration in the U.S. than their countries of origin. Over 100 U.S. cities now organize Cinco de Mayo events, with festivities including parades, parties, and speeches 2.

Many people use it as an excuse to go to a Mexican restaurant to drink Mexican beers, margaritas, and various tequilas.

--- Gary Arndt

The commercialization of the holiday has been driven by beer companies and Mexican restaurants, making it a significant cultural event in the U.S.