Cinco de Mayo: Yes, these are genuinely real questions people ask about the celebration

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a dumb question,” right?

Well, it turns out, that’s not entirely true.

And when it comes to Cinco de Mayo – the festive day that gives Americans a reason to indulge in tacos and margaritas – there are plenty of these questions.

Here are some real questions people have asked on Google and other search engines about this Mexican holiday, which is celebrated more widely in the U.S. than in its country of origin.

When is Cinco de Mayo observed?

Cinco means 5, de Mayo translates to May. So, it's May 5th.

How do you say Cinco de Mayo in Spanish?

Cinco de Mayo.

When does Mexico celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

It happens on Cinco de Mayo.

When is Cinco de Mayo observed in the United States?

*Deep sigh. It’s on Cinco de Mayo.

When is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Portland, Oregon?

We’ve already covered this.

When did the Cinco de Mayo battle take place?

There was no specific Cinco de Mayo war.

The holiday marks Mexico's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While it was a relatively small skirmish – the French took Puebla back the following year – it was a symbolic victory as a smaller Mexican force defeated a larger French army. By 1867, Mexico had expelled French forces entirely.

A lot of Americans mistakenly think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day. It isn’t. That holiday is on September 16 and commemorates the Grito de Dolores, when a priest rang the church bell in Dolores in 1810, sparking Mexico's War of Independence from Spain.

Is Cinco de Mayo an official holiday in Mexico?

While Cinco de Mayo isn’t a national holiday, it’s celebrated in Puebla, Mexico, with parades and fireworks. In the United States, the day has become a marketing opportunity for restaurants, bars, breweries, and tequila brands.

Is Cinco de Mayo the same as the Day of the Dead?

No, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a three-day holiday where families in Mexico come together to honor their deceased loved ones. It takes place from October 31 to November 2.

Is celebrating Cinco de Mayo considered cultural appropriation?

Not exactly. However, it's best to avoid wearing items that perpetuate Mexican stereotypes, like sombreros and fake mustaches.

Where does Cinco de Mayo take place?

Anywhere you choose! If you know how to throw a good party, Cinco de Mayo could even become a state of mind.

And here’s our favorite question of all…

Is Cinco de Mayo related to mayonnaise?

We give up on this one.

This article was last updated in 2023.