Cinco de Mayo May 5, 2025

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:

Jun 27, 2023Sedona, Arizona
Jun 3, 2020For the love of bikes
Apr 2, 2020Pascua Florida Day
Mar 10, 2021Commemorating the life of a famous railroad conductor
Nov 11, 2024Veterans Day
Feb 19, 2025European river otter, Netherlands
Jan 16, 2024Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
Nov 5, 2022Tigh Mor Trossachs on Loch Achray, Scotland
Feb 20, 2022World Whale Day
Apr 15, 2025World Art Day
Jul 12, 2024Mount Rainier National Park
Jan 27, 2021A dramatic view of Sicily
Feb 3, 2023Quebec City for Winter Carnival
Aug 10, 2021Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch on the institution s 175th anniversary
Sep 10, 2020Hidden beauty in Thailand
May 4, 2023Star Wars Day
Feb 18, 2021A river runs through it
Sep 14, 2018Back to the nest
May 15, 2021Happy Astronomy Day!
Dec 13, 2025Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California
Oct 31, 2022Wychwood Forest, Oxfordshire, England
Oct 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia
Jul 14, 2018Does this shark have an Irish accent?
Aug 10, 2025World Lion Day
Nov 29, 2020New Zealand s loneliest mountain
Jun 2, 2021The dry days of winter in Etosha
Jul 30, 2023Palouse farmland, Washington state
Dec 5, 2022Saint Nicholas Day in Verbier, Switzerland
Dec 22, 2021Illuminating Annecy
Aug 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming