What Cinco de Mayo Really Means in Mexico—And How Puebla Celebrates the Historic Victory

Key Points

• Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla on May 5.

• The city of Puebla is the epicenter of Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico, with traditional food, dancing, and military displays.

There are many celebrations and stories surrounding Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May. More than just a historical observance in the U.S., the holiday has become synonymous with celebrating Mexican culture through over-the-top parties and traditions that are not always culturally appropriate. In Mexico, May 5 simply marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, during which Mexico defeated the French in 1862.

The story of Cinco de Mayo starts with Napoleon III sending his troops to invade Mexico, citing that the country was indebted to France. The Mexican army was outnumbered two to one, while France had one of the most powerful armed forces in the world at the time. Despite all this, the Mexican soldiers and civilians still managed to defeat them. General Ignacio Zaragoza was the Mexican leader, and after that day, the city's name was officially changed to Puebla de Zaragoza in his honor.

How Cinco de Mayo Is Remembered in Puebla

Cinco de Mayo is more than just a date in Puebla, the capital of the eponymous Mexican state. The city usually marks the day with a military parade featuring soldiers, sailors, musicians, and dancers. Many local Indigenous communities display some of their culture during the parade through traditional dress and dance. Mexican cowboys and cowgirls— charros and escaramuzas , as they are called in Spanish—are a parade highlight, often saved for last as a sort of grand finale.

The commemoration of May 5 lasts longer than a day, though, as the city throws a fair for several weeks, extending the revelry with a long lineup of artists, rides, performances, crafts exhibitions, and food. The fair pays tribute to Puebla's culture, and gastronomy is a major part of that. Attendees can find some of the most traditional dishes of Mexico, such as mole, sweet potatoes, and candies like the iconic borrachitos ("little drunks"), fruity sweets soaked in tequila or rum and covered in sugar.

Battle Sites to Visit in Puebla

The Battle of Puebla took place at two forts, Loreto and Guadalupe. The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism. Here, you can see some original remnants from the battle, including cannons. Each fort also has a museum that takes visitors deeper into its evolution, meaning, and history.

At Fort Loreto , the Museum of Non-Intervention tells the complete story of the battle, from the events that led to the armed conflict to the moment the French were removed from power a few years after it happened. Original objects from the 19th century, including weapons, flags, official documents, paintings, and military uniforms, are on display. Some of the most valuable pieces you'll see are the letters President Benito Juárez wrote to General Zaragoza before and after the battle.

Although smaller, the museum at Fort Guadalupe offers a detailed, interactive exhibit chronicling the battle. It's also interesting to learn about the building itself and how it evolved from being a place of worship to the site of a historic armed conflict.

Another powerful site is the complex underground tunnel network that runs throughout the city. These tunnels have connected key places around town for centuries, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about how they were used during the Battle of Puebla.

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