15 Cinco de Mayo Myths Most People Still Believe
Innumerable Americans get out their colorful decorations, mix their favorite beverages, and get ready for a day of celebration every year on May 5. Despite all of the excitement surrounding Cinco de Mayo, there is a startling amount of false information regarding the true meaning of the holiday and the proper way to celebrate it.
Here is a list of 15 common myths about Cinco de Mayo that continue to persist, despite being completely incorrect.
It’s Mexican Independence Day
Perhaps the most widespread misconception is that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican independence. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Mexico’s actual Independence Day falls on September 16th, commemorating the ‘Grito de Dolores’ in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo called for Mexican patriots to rise up against Spanish rule. Cinco de Mayo instead celebrates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla against French forces in 1862, occurring over 50 years after Mexico gained independence.
Margaritas Are the Traditional Drink
In Puebla, margaritas are not the traditional beverage of choice for Cinco de Mayo, even though they are served liberally during celebrations in the United States. ‘Agua fresca’, which is non-alcoholic drink made with water, sugar, and fruits, flowers, or seeds, is truly the traditional beverage.
Compared to the tequila-based cocktails that predominate at American celebrations, these vibrant, refreshing drinks are considerably more indicative of true Pueblan festivities.
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Sombreros Are Traditional Battle Attire
The image of Mexicans in sombreros has become inextricably linked to Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States, but this association is historically inaccurate. Sombreros weren’t actually worn during the Battle of Puebla and have roots more closely tied to Spanish culture.
The wide-brimmed hats we associate with Mexican culture today are from an entirely different era of Mexican history, specifically the 1910 Mexican Revolution, decades after the events Cinco de Mayo commemorates.
Everyone in Mexico Celebrates It
The idea that all of Mexico shuts down for a massive fiesta on May 5th is completely false. Outside of Puebla, most Mexicans don’t celebrate the day with any special festivities.
Many Mexican citizens primarily appreciate the day as a welcome day off from school or work, similar to how many Americans might view Presidents’ Day – acknowledged but not extensively celebrated with parties or events.
Tequila Is the Holiday’s Traditional Spirit
Despite being closely associated with Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States, tequila has no special connection to the Battle of Puebla or its commemoration. In fact, tequila production is centered in Jalisco, a state far from Puebla where the battle occurred.
The modern association between tequila and Cinco de Mayo largely stems from marketing campaigns by alcohol distributors in the United States starting in the 1960s rather than from any authentic cultural tradition.
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Tacos Are the Traditional Meal
Americans often celebrate with tacos, nachos, and other familiar Mexican-American foods, but these aren’t particularly representative of Pueblan cuisine traditionally served on Cinco de Mayo. The authentic foods of Puebla include dishes like mole poblano (a complex sauce with dozens of ingredients including chocolate), chalupas (thick corn tortillas with salsa, shredded meat, and onions), and chiles en nogada (stuffed poblano peppers with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds).
Mariachi Music Is Traditionally Played
Although mariachi bands may appear like the ideal accompaniment to Cinco de Mayo festivities, the Battle of Puebla and its commemoration have nothing to do with this musical tradition’s historical background. Only when commercialized celebrations grew across the United States did Mariachi music, which began in Jalisco rather than Puebla, come to be linked with the event.
There is a long history of classical music in Puebla, including symphonies and operas.
It’s Always Been a Big Celebration in the US
Many people assume Cinco de Mayo has been widely celebrated in the US for generations, but its popularity is relatively recent. The holiday gained significant traction in the United States only in the 1960s, initially as an expression of cultural pride among Mexican-Americans.
Its transformation into a mainstream American celebration came even later, largely during the 1980s when beer companies began aggressive marketing campaigns promoting the day as an occasion for partying and drinking.
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The Battle Was Against Spain
A persistent myth is that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s triumph over Spanish forces. The actual conflict commemorated on this day was against French troops under Napoleon III, who had invaded Mexico to collect on debts.
The victory at Puebla was significant precisely because the Mexican forces, though outnumbered and under-equipped, managed to defeat what was considered one of the most powerful armies in the world at that time.
The Battle Ended the French Occupation
While the Battle of Puebla was indeed a victory, it didn’t end the French presence in Mexico as many believe. The French forces regrouped, returned with reinforcements, and eventually captured Mexico City within a year.
They installed Maximilian of Habsburg, an Austrian archduke, as Emperor of Mexico. The French occupation continued until 1867, when Mexican forces finally expelled them and executed Maximilian, restoring the republic under President Benito Juárez.
It Has No Relevance to US History
Many Americans celebrate without realizing the historical connection between the Battle of Puebla and the United States. The French invasion of Mexico occurred during the American Civil War, and historians suggest Napoleon III intended to use Mexico as a base to support the Confederate Army.
The Mexican victory at Puebla delayed French plans and gave Union forces valuable time, potentially influencing the outcome of the Civil War in favor of the North.
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It’s Celebrated the Same Way Everywhere
There’s a misconception that Cinco de Mayo celebrations follow a standard format, but the holiday is observed in remarkably different ways depending on location. In Puebla, it involves military parades and battle reenactments.
In the United States, celebrations vary wildly by region – from chihuahua races in Arizona to skydiving events in Vancouver, Canada, and margarita competitions in Australia, the holiday has inspired creative and diverse interpretations worldwide.
It’s Called ‘Cinco de Drinko’ in Mexico
The nicknames ‘Cinco de Drinko’ or ‘Mexican St. Patrick’s Day’ are purely American inventions that have no recognition in Mexico. These terms, which emphasize drinking over cultural appreciation, are considered disrespectful by many Mexicans and Mexican-Americans who understand the historical significance of the day.
These nicknames reflect the commercialization of the holiday rather than its authentic cultural meaning.
Traditional Celebrations Focus on Drinking
The emphasis on alcohol consumption during Cinco de Mayo is largely an American invention fueled by marketing. Authentic celebrations in Puebla center on military parades, historical reenactments, and family gatherings with traditional foods.
The transformation of the holiday into an occasion primarily for drinking represents one of the most significant departures from its original purpose and meaning.
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The Holiday Has Ancient Roots
Some mistakenly believe Cinco de Mayo has ancient Aztec or Mayan origins, but it’s actually a relatively recent historical commemoration. The Battle of Puebla occurred in 1862, and the first celebrations began immediately afterward.
The holiday commemorates a modern military victory rather than any ancient ritual or tradition, making it less than 200 years old – quite young compared to many other cultural celebrations around the world.
The Ongoing Evolution of Cultural Traditions
As Cinco de Mayo continues to be celebrated both in Mexico and abroad, the holiday serves as a fascinating example of how cultural traditions evolve and transform across borders. What began as a regional commemoration of a military victory has become something entirely different for many celebrants, particularly in the United States.
Understanding the actual history behind the holiday doesn’t mean the celebrations can’t be enjoyed – but appreciating the authentic cultural context adds a meaningful dimension that enriches the experience for everyone involved.
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