Cinco de Mayo May 5, 2025

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, marks the Mexican army"s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While it is only celebrated sporadically in Mexico, it has become a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the US, especially in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. This holiday is often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, but that falls on September 16. Instead, Cinco de Mayo honors Mexico"s fight against foreign rule and symbolizes resilience and unity. The battle itself was brief, lasting from daybreak to early evening, but the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to defeat a much larger and better-equipped French force. Today, Cinco de Mayo festivities feature parades, mariachi music, folk dancing, and delicious foods like tacos and mole poblano. Whether you"re joining a festival or just enjoying a plate of Mexican cuisine, it"s a great day to appreciate Mexico"s rich history and traditions. Viva Mexico!

© William Zinn/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

May 5, 2018Happy Cinco de Mayo!
May 5, 2019Celebrating Mexico in a Cultural Capital
May 5, 2020A courtyard scene from Spain
May 5, 2021The birthplace of Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2022Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2023Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2024Happy Cinco de Mayo!

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jan 19, 2018Old Town in Prague, Czech Republic
Jul 21, 2019A peek behind the royal curtain
Feb 17, 2022Flamenco dancers
Jan 14, 2020Going head-to-head with winter
Nov 30, 2020A water loch-ed castle
Jul 11, 2020How Quảng Ngãi got its grove back
Oct 24, 2025Night view of the RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
Feb 28, 2019Over and under the delta
Jul 4, 2023Happy Independence Day!
Dec 4, 2019Protecting endangered giants
Feb 8, 2019A winter light show
Aug 2, 2021This reef is nowhere near the sea…
Sep 19, 2025Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, US-Canada border
Aug 20, 2023International Lighthouse Weekend
Jun 6, 2021On this shore, history was made
Feb 25, 2018Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Nov 4, 2020Caribou on the move
Aug 23, 2025St. Barbaras Cathedral, Kutná Hora, Czechia
Apr 29, 2024Fujian Tulou, China
Nov 11, 2023Veterans Day
Mar 28, 2020The meeting point of the winds
Jul 18, 2025Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
Apr 25, 2018National Park Week: Wind Cave National Park
Nov 27, 2021Penn Station
Dec 14, 2023Christmas Bird Count
Oct 5, 2023World Teachers Day
Mar 6, 2022Great cormorants
Jun 29, 2025International Day of the Tropics
Dec 20, 2021Ministry of Fun Santa School
Jan 20, 2023Penguin Awareness Day