About Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo — the fifth of May — commemorates Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when an outnumbered Mexican army defeated one of the world's strongest militaries. The countdown above tracks the days until the next celebration.
Curiously, the day is celebrated far more in the United States than in Mexico, where it is mainly observed in Puebla itself. North of the border it has become a giant festival of Mexican-American culture: mariachi, folklórico dancing, street fairs — and statistically more guacamole than any other day of the year.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Wednesday, May 5, 2027next |
| 2028 | Friday, May 5, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, May 5, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, May 5, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, May 5, 2031 |
FAQ
What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?
The Mexican army's underdog victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 — not independence, which is September 16.
Is Cinco de Mayo a holiday in Mexico?
Only in the state of Puebla — elsewhere in Mexico it is a normal working day. The big parties are in the US.
When is Cinco de Mayo?
May 5 every year — the countdown above shows the time remaining.