Cinco de Mayo

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Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Battle of Puebla

The true meaning of Cinco de Mayo

the Siege of Puebla

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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Nativity Scene, Adoration of the Magi, Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Montenegro

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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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King Cobra snake in Malaysia. (reptile)

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Saint Lucia Day. Young girl wears Lucia crown (tinsel halo) with candles. Holds Saint Lucia Day currant laced saffron buns (lussekatter or Lucia's cats). Observed December 13 honor virgin martyr Santa Lucia (St. Lucy). Luciadagen, Christmas, Sweden

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Indian hijras participate in a religious procession in Gandhinagar, India, some 30 kilometers from Ahmedabad, on March 22, 2017. Hijra is a term used in South Asia which refers to transgender individuals who are born male. (gender identity, gender expression)

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Coriander leaves, fresh green cilantro on wooden background, herbs

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Cinco de Mayo: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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

Battle of Puebla

the Siege of Puebla

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

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

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

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?