Cinco de Mayo

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Cinco de Mayo celebration, 2019

The true meaning of Cinco de Mayo

Chicken enmoladas covered with mole poblano

Cinco de Mayo festivities in Denver, one of the many U.S. cities that celebrate the Mexican holiday.

View the Mariachi Northwestern performing “Cielito Lindo,” a classic mariachi song

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Dancers at a Cinco de Mayo festival at the Mission District, San Francisco, California. (Photo dated 2019.) holidays

Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico's Independence Day?

Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo. General Porfirio Diaz leads Mexican cavalry to victory against the French lead by General Charles Lorencez at Puebla, Mexico April 2, 1867. Oil on canvas, 1902. May 5, 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza

A scary old jack-o-lantern on black. Halloween pumpkin, trick or treat. Halloween holiday

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A group of diverse individuals, who represent various occupations, stand with their arms raised in the air. labor day; laborers; construction worker; teacher; nurse; doctor; assistant; office staff; blue collar; workforce

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Christopher Columbus kneeling, holding flag and sword with two other men holding flags. There are other men on land and in boats behind Columbus and three ships in background. On the island named San Salvador by Columbus, later called Watling Island.

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Ice Sledge Hockey, Hockey Canada Cup, USA (left) vs Canada, 2009. UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver, BC, competition site for Olympic ice hockey and Paralympic ice sledge hockey. Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver Olympics

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July, 2006, Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery STS-121. See attached for full caption information.

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Statue of Nostradamus

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African Americans demonstrating for voting rights in front of the White House as police and others watch, March 12, 1965. One sign reads, "We demand the right to vote everywhere." Voting Rights Act, civil rights.

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Agnes with a lamb near her feet. St. Agnes (Saint Agnes) design drawing for stained glass window by J&R Lamb Studios, ink, mount size 10.5 x 14.5 in.

Roman Catholic Saints

Flags of the countries of the world (flagpoles).

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Cinco de Mayo: Facts & Related Content

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News •

Organizers cancel South Philadelphia Cinco de Mayo parade because of ICE concerns • Apr. 10, 2025, 5:37 AM ET (CBS)

Tito’s Tacos marks National Burrito Day year-round and gears up for Cinco de Mayo celebrations • Apr. 6, 2025, 11:42 PM ET (CBS)

Facts

Also Known As	Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla

Did You Know?

Approximately one year after the Battle of Puebla, the French regained control of Puebla.
In Denver and Chandler, chihuahua races are part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Photos and Videos

Cinco de Mayo celebration, 2019

Chicken enmoladas covered with mole poblano

Cinco de Mayo festivities in Denver, one of the many U.S. cities that celebrate the Mexican holiday.

The true meaning of Cinco de Mayo

View the Mariachi Northwestern performing “Cielito Lindo,” a classic mariachi song

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Topics

Mexico May holiday Day of the Dead Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Halloween Remembrance Sunday Labor Day Women’s Equality Day May Day Indigenous Peoples’ Day Qingming Festival

Demystified

Dancers at a Cinco de Mayo festival at the Mission District, San Francisco, California. (Photo dated 2019.) holidays

Is Cinco de Mayo Mexico's Independence Day?