Observances & special days · in 339 days
When is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo 2027 is on Wednesday, May 5, 2027.
Cinco de Mayo 2027 falls on Wednesday, May 5, 2027.
Marks the Mexican army's 1862 victory at the Battle of Puebla. In the US it's a celebration of Mexican-American culture.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 19. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Cinco de Mayo
On May 5, 1862, a vastly outnumbered Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla, an unexpected win against one of the great powers of the day. In Mexico itself the day is observed mainly in Puebla, not as a major national holiday. Mexican-American communities in California began marking the date in the 1860s as a symbol of resistance and ethnic pride, and the celebration spread through the US during the 20th century, helped along by beer and food marketing in the 1980s.
How Cinco de Mayo is celebrated
Parades, mariachi music, traditional dances, Mexican food and drinks dominate. In the US it's a celebration of Mexican-American heritage. It's commonly confused with Mexico's actual Independence Day, which falls on September 16.
Did you know?
Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day. That's September 16.
The holiday is much bigger in the US than in Mexico itself.
Puebla, where the 1862 battle was fought, holds the largest celebration in Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo in upcoming years
How the date is set
Always May 5.
Sources & further reading
For more detail on Cinco de Mayo, see these references.
Related dates
Cinco de Mayo: questions and answers
When is Cinco de Mayo 2027?
Cinco de Mayo 2027 falls on Wednesday, May 5, 2027.
What day of the week is Cinco de Mayo this year?
In 2026, Cinco de Mayo is a Tuesday, May 5.
How is the date of Cinco de Mayo determined?
Always May 5.