Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date the Mexican Army was victorious over France. This occurred during the Battle of Puebla during the France-Mexican War in 1862. This day is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. It is not seen as a big holiday in Mexico, but in the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage. Awareness of this holiday first started in the 1960s by Chicano activists. To them, it was a victory of the indigenous Mexicans over European invaders during the Battle of Puebla.
Celebrations include parties, mariachi music, parades, and Mexican folk dancing. And let’s talk about the traditional foods on this holiday, such as tacos, guacamole, enchiladas and mole poblano. If you want to be a part of the larger festivals, make sure to visit Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. Many people outside Mexico believe Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican Independence. Mexican Independence was declared over 50 years ago before the Battle of Puebla.
Many tour operators offer tours to Mexico at this time of year such as:
Mexico’s Magical Colonial Cities by Globus Tours – the varied sights and sounds of Colonial Mexico have the same effect on those who venture cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways. View the Baroque architecture reminiscent of the Old World, museums rival Europe’s finest, and a pyramid wider than any in Egypt. Shimmy to mariachi music, sip margaritas and tour the 17th-century church of San Miguel de Allende.
Gate 1 offers a 9 Day Colonial Mexico visits Casa Azul, the museum dedicated to the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Tour Mexico City’s historic center and view the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, also known as the City of the Gods. Walk Queretaro is known for its magnificent colonial architecture. Delight in the shops where artisans display their wares.
Discovery Tours by Gate 1 offers Mexico’s Mayan & Aztec Illumination with all of the delights of Mexico City and colonial buildings in Puebla. Visit the swathed temples of Palenque and Campeche, a colonial city with Spanish Baroque architecture and a walled historic district.
Wings Over Mexico is offered by Abercrombie and Kent – is a journey that showcases cultural diversity and scenery found south of the border, beyond the beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Learn about the ancient civilizations that shaped contemporary Mexico and helped make it a very popular culinary destination. Explore from Mexico City to the Mayan ruins of Palenque and Chichen Itza and the rural landscapes of Colima and Oaxaca, where indigenous roots are still strong.
Experience Day of the Dead in real life with G Adventures six-day tour. Explore Mexico City’s markets and local street food. Try the traditional face painting and join a citywide procession. Venture into the small towns to witness alters built in honor of loved ones passed.
