Cinco de Mayo, celebrated annually on May 5th, commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Despite this initial victory, the French ultimately occupied Mexico City. However, the French withdrew in 1866 following the American Civil War, when the U.S. began supporting Mexican Liberals. The holiday celebrates Mexican resilience and the symbolic victory at the Battle of Puebla, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.
1998: Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Across the United States
A 1998 study published in the Journal of American Culture reported over 120 official Cinco de Mayo celebrations in 21 US states.
June 7, 2005: US Congressional Resolution on Cinco de Mayo
On June 7, 2005, the US Congress passed a resolution encouraging the President to issue a proclamation for Americans to observe Cinco de Mayo with ceremonies and activities.
2006: Growth of Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the US
By 2006, the number of official Cinco de Mayo events in the United States had increased to 150 or more, according to research by José Alamillo, a professor at Washington State University.
2007: Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in the US and Mexico
In 2007, a UCLA Newsroom article noted that Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated in California since 1863 but is largely ignored in Mexico.
2013: Commercial Success of Cinco de Mayo
In 2013, more than $600 million worth of beer was purchased in the United States for Cinco de Mayo, exceeding sales for the Super Bowl or St. Patrick's Day, as reported by Nielsen.
May 4, 2023: Cinco de Mayo: An American Holiday with Mexican Roots
On May 4, 2023, The Washington Post published an article characterizing Cinco de Mayo as an American holiday with Mexican roots, highlighting its greater significance in the US than in Mexico.