Americans might love Cinco de Mayo, but few know what they’re celebrating

The holiday honors a 19th-century battle between the French and the Mexican armies that, strangely enough, may have influenced the outcome of the US Civil War.

By: Kirby Farah, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 26, 2026

Words: 915

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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By Kirby Farah, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Many Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but how many actually know the story of the holiday?

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo doesn’t mark Mexican Independence, which is celebrated on Sept. 16. Instead, it’s meant to commemorate the Battle of Puebla, which was fought between the Mexican and French armies in 1862.

In Mexico’s long and storied history, the Battle of …

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