Ask a Mexican

What do you know about Cinco de Mayo? Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? How does it make you feel when foreigners celebrate it? What would you compare it to?  

María González, 42, History Teacher. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862. It was when the Mexican army, although poorly equipped and outnumbered, defeated the French forces. It wasn’t the end of the war, but it was a symbolic victory and a proud moment in our history. I talk about it every year with my students. In Puebla, where the battle happened, it’s a big deal. There are parades, reenactments, and lots of civic pride. But here in Mexico City, it’s more lowkey. We don’t get the day off unless you’re in government or education.  I don’t “celebrate” it in the way you might celebrate a holiday. It’s more like a day of reflection and recognition. Now, about foreigners celebrating it… I find it a bit odd. Many in the U.S., for example, seem to think it’s Mexico’s Independence Day, which it isn’t; that’s on September 16. Still, I understand they’re just trying to connect with Mexican culture in their own way. I just wish it was a bit more informed.  If I had to compare it to something, maybe it’s like how Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, but imagine if only one battle was remembered and people turned it into a party with sombreros. It’s weird but well-intentioned.

Jorge Martínez, 28, Bartender. Yeah, I know it’s the Battle of Puebla against the French. I remember learning about it in school, but honestly, it’s not something I really celebrate. In Guadalajara, where I’m from, it’s barely even mentioned unless you’re in school or watching the news. We don’t get the day off, and there are no parties or anything.  But working in hospitality, especially with tourists, I hear a lot about it from Americans. They come in talking about it like it’s a huge deal in Mexico, wearing sombreros and drinking tequila like it’s New Year’s. I get it, they want to have fun and celebrate Mexican culture; but sometimes it feels like they’re celebrating a caricature of us. It doesn’t offend me, but it does make me roll my eyes sometimes.  If anything, it’s like if people from another country celebrated the Alamo in Texas but didn’t really know what it was about; just used it as an excuse to drink. I guess it’s flattering in a way, but also kind of strange. I’d rather they took time to learn about real Mexican traditions, like Día de Muertos or our Independence Day in September.

Leticia Ramírez, 35, Chef. I’m from Puebla, so Cinco de Mayo is very important to me and my community. We have parades, music, and lots of traditional food like mole poblano, which is said to have originated here. For us, it’s a day of pride. I remember going to see the parades as a child with my grandparents and learning about how the Mexican army resisted the French occupation.  Yes, I definitely celebrate it, and I even cook special dishes at my restaurant that week. It’s a chance to honor history and show off our regional culture. But I know that outside Puebla, it’s not that big of a deal. Even friends of mine from other states in Mexico are surprised by how much attention we give it.  As for foreigners celebrating it, well, I think it depends on how they do it. If they’re just drinking margaritas and wearing fake mustaches, then yeah, it feels a little disrespectful. But if they’re genuinely trying to appreciate Mexican history and culture, then I think it’s nice. I’ve met people in the U.S. who know more about the Battle of Puebla than some Mexicans do!  I’d compare it to regional holidays in other countries; like Bastille Day in France, but only being celebrated in one province and yet becoming international. Kind of strange, but not always bad.

Carlos Vega, 61, Retired Military Officer. Cinco de Mayo is an important historical event for our country, though not necessarily a major holiday. It symbolizes resilience and strategic victory. As someone who served in the army, I’ve always admired the way General Zaragoza led the troops with limited resources and still managed to beat the French forces.  I don’t celebrate it like a fiesta, but I do remember it with respect. Sometimes I attend civic ceremonies or watch the reenactments on TV. I think we should all be more aware of our history, especially our younger generations. Too many people think Cinco de Mayo is about partying and alcohol, but it’s about sacrifice and bravery.  When foreigners celebrate it, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it’s good that they recognize a part of our heritage. On the other, it feels like they’re celebrating the wrong things. It’s become a commercial event, like Valentine’s Day and detached from its origins.  To me, it’s like someone celebrating Veterans Day without knowing anything about veterans. The intention might be good, but it’s shallow unless there’s real understanding. I’d rather they took the time to learn why the battle mattered, and maybe watch a documentary or read about the real heroes behind it.

Daniela Torres, 19, University Student. Cinco de Mayo… We talked about it in high school. It’s about when the Mexican army beat the French in Puebla. It was a big deal at the time because Mexico was struggling financially and politically, and yet we still managed to win that battle. I don’t celebrate it. In Monterrey, where I’m from, nobody really does anything for it. We’re more focused on Independence Day in September or religious holidays like Día de la Virgen. Cinco de Mayo is more like a history fact we memorize for exams. That said, I’ve seen people in the U.S. go all out for it, parades, parties, and drinking. At first, I thought it was cool that they wanted to celebrate something from our culture. But now that I’ve seen how commercial and exaggerated it is, it kind of makes me uncomfortable. It’s not really about Mexico anymore; it’s about tacos and beer.  If I had to compare it to something, maybe it’s like people celebrating St. Patrick’s Day without knowing who St. Patrick was. It becomes more about the party than the meaning. But I try not to judge too harshly. At least they’re paying some attention to our country even if it’s a bit distorted.

Roberto Sánchez, 50, Tour Guide. As a tour guide, I get asked about Cinco de Mayo all the time, especially by American visitors. They’re often surprised when I tell them it’s not widely celebrated in Mexico outside of Puebla. The Battle of Puebla was a meaningful moment in our history, no doubt. It showed how we could resist even the strongest armies. But in the bigger picture, it was just one battle.  I don’t personally celebrate it. Maybe I’ll post something on social media to acknowledge it, but that’s it. My kids don’t even mention it at school. I think for most Mexicans, it’s a day like any other unless you’re a historian or from Puebla.  When foreigners celebrate it, I get why they do it. It’s become part of their own culture now, especially in the U.S. It doesn’t offend me. It actually makes my job easier because it sparks curiosity. Some people come to Mexico because of Cinco de Mayo and end up learning a lot more about our culture.  I’d compare it to a cultural remix. Like when a song is sampled and becomes popular in a new genre. It’s not the original, but it’s still connected. I just hope people take the time to learn the full song eventually, not just the catchy chorus. ,