Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration of Mexican Heritage
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated on May 5th each year in Mexico and the United States. While many people associate the holiday with margaritas and festive parties, the holiday has a deeper historical significance as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture.
History
The origins of Cinco de Mayo can be traced back to the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862, during the French intervention in Mexico. The battle was fought between the Mexican army and the French forces of Napoleon III, and despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican army emerged victorious.
The holiday became a symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign domination, and the holiday is celebrated in Mexico primarily in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are 11,199,000 Mexican immigrants in the United States. In the U.S., it has become a popular celebration of Mexican heritage, with parades, festivals, and parties held across the country.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
According to a survey by LendingTree, 89% of adults aged 18-24 planned to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in 2021. The most popular food items associated with the holiday in the United States are tacos, margaritas, and guacamole, according to the National Restaurant Association.
Beer sales tend to increase during the week leading up to the holiday, with many people consuming Mexican beer brands such as Corona, Dos Equis, and Modelo. It is one of the top alcohol-selling holidays in the United States, along with the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. Tequila sales peaked in 2017 reaching a reported 89 million liters sold.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards virtual holiday celebrations, with Google reporting a 350% increase in searches for “Cinco de Mayo at home” in 2020 compared to the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around the World
While Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in Mexico and the United States, the holiday has also gained popularity in other parts of the world. In Japan, a “Mexican Festival” featuring food, music, and dance is held in Tokyo each year. In Australia, the holiday celebrations include taco-eating contests and margarita-making competitions.
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture that has become a popular holiday in the United States and other parts of the world. While the holiday is often associated with parties and festive food and drinks, do not forget its deeper historical significance as a symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign domination. Whether you are celebrating with friends and family in person or virtually, It is a time to honor and appreciate the rich traditions of Mexican culture.
Mexican government’s National Council for the Culture and the Arts
National Restaurant Association
More holiday statistics
