Falling on May 5 each year, Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated by Mexican American communities across the nation with parades, parties, and the best of Mexican cuisine.
Cinco de Mayo’s history dates back to 1862, with the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The holiday really started to become a bigger event in the US in the 1960s, turning the celebratory nature of this date into a true event.
Celebrate the holiday with a taste of Mexican heritage, with ParkSleepFly’s guide to embracing the Cinco de Mayo history.
If you want to experience some of the largest Cinco de Mayo festivals stateside, why not get down to Los Angeles, Chicago or Houston? ParkSleepFly can help you find a great deal on hotel and parking packages wherever you are traveling.
History of Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo – a day here in the United States that we tip the margarita glass to our south of the border neighbor, Mexico. However, did you know that this holiday isn’t universally celebrated in Mexico? It is regionally celebrated in the state of Puebla, as El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (The day of the Battle of Puebla). It commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces on May 5, 1862. It’s NOT (as some Americans believe) the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. That day is actually September 16.
However, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture with many parades, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and delicious food. The observations in the United States began primarily by the Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the Civil War. Upon hearing of the victory in Puebla, the Mexican miners in the gold country of California were so happy that they fired off rifle shots, fireworks, sang patriotic songs, etc. Since then, Cinco de Mayo was celebrated continually in the United States, specifically California, and not as much in Mexico.
The holiday didn’t gain much popularity outside of California until the 1940s when the Chicano movement started to rise. It continued to gain popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, but really gained acceptance in the 1980s when beer marketers began to promote Cinco de Mayo as a holiday.
Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Now, there are hundreds of celebrations ranging from huge music festivals to smaller observations. Some of the best, and most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations are where the highest concentration of Mexican people live. One of the very best is located in Denver, Colorado. The festival, which lasts for two days attracts over 400,000 people and is full of Mexican music with regional, salsa, Christian, Tex-Mex, and ranchero.
Chicago, Illinois puts on a great celebration. The festival includes a 5 mile race, the Cinco de Miler, music, food booths, cultural information, and a recently added “Cinco de Snoots” where pets and their owners can both partake the festivities. There’s a huge listing for all the events for Chicago’s celebration here.
In San Francisco, CA, the Mission district goes all in for its celebration. Cultural activities, Lucha Libre wrestlers, and a Mission Dolores tour top the list of things to do.
But, where better to celebrate Cinco de Mayo but in Texas? Along the infamous San Antonio Riverwalk, Luminaria 2012 has been added which honors San Antonio’s artist communities. Be prepared for Mariachis, Tejano and Conjunto music plus cultural dances and food at the historic Market Square. In San Marcos, TX, located in the Hill Country, hosts the 38th annual festival known for its parade, Little Miss and Miss Cinco de Mayo pageants, music, and Folklorico dancers. There is also the state-wide Menudo Cook-Off which features a soup of tripe, hominy and chili which is cooked for hours and thought by many to be the elusive hangover cure!
Visit the biggest Cinco de Mayo parades
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated across the US, with some festivals and parades offering not only an occasion to party but to appreciate Mexican culture’s roots in the US, with regional music and dancing filling the streets.
Portland, Oregon, has been celebrating the holiday with its sister city Guadalajara since 1983. You can expect a big focus on the tapatío heritage during the city-wide festival, including a whole host of arts, music and dancing. The annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta takes place at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and promises Mexican-themed fun from 11am up until 11pm. Experiencing Mexico from the US has never been easier, with fun, food, drinks and dancing promised until the late evening.
For a slower-paced Cinco de Mayo, why not enjoy the day at Walt Disney World? You can find Mexican-themed treats throughout the parks, but to be fully immersed in celebrations means a trip to Epcot: World Showcase. Cinco de Mayo falls in line with the 2023 Flower and Garden Festival, meaning the park will be very busy for Cinco de Mayo! The Epcot Mexico Pavillion is guaranteed to be serving the very best of traditional food and beverages found in Mexico.
Visit the Battle of Puebla re-enactment
If you’re thinking of staying true to the roots of the holiday, visit Puebla in Mexico to be immersed in Cinco de Mayo’s true history. Alongside the festivals and parades you can count on stateside, you will have the chance to experience re-enactments of the Battle of Puebla.
Tens of thousands of residents participate in the city’s parade. You can anticipate seeing Mariachi bands playing in the streets, as well as dancing and fireworks. The festival draws more than a million visitors every year and it turns into a month-long celebration across the state. If you’re thinking of booking your trip to this amazing location steeped in Mexican history, book your travel essentials from ParkSleepFly with a complete hotel and parking package.
The city of Puebla is the fourth largest in Mexico. With a hive of activities kicking off to highlight its unique place in history, you are guaranteed a trip rich in Mexican heritage and spirit.
Immerse yourself in Mexican cuisine
While you may be enjoying the holiday with a drink in hand, Cinco de Mayo offers the perfect opportunity for you to embrace authentic Mexican food and drink to the full.
The state of Puebla is renowned for its native mole poblano, which is one of the country’s most typical dishes. It is found widely in kitchens across the state during Cinco de Mayo celebrations, making it the perfect destination for an authentic taste of Mexico.
Of course, what is a holiday without a sip of the finest tequila, a bottle of cold cerveza or a fruity margarita? Cinco de Mayo is after all an occasion to celebrate Mexico’s victory in battle.
Houston is also known for its celebration of Cinco de Mayo, with various restaurants around the city offering a plethora of traditional cuisine. Armandos, Cadillac Bar, Candente and world-famous Chipotle are just a few of the eateries offering various deals and Cinco de Mayo-themed treats galore.
Heading to Houston for Cinco de Mayo? Don’t forget to pre-book your airport parking reservation with ParkSleepFly!
Main image: Jeremy Harris – Unsplash
