Cinco de Mayo: Every Gringo’s Favorite Mexican Holiday

In one of the great ironies of Mexican history, Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May), which commemorates Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, is a holiday that’s far more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico. 

Often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day (September 16), Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated south of the border apart from military parades in a few big cities. Although schools are closed nationwide, May 5 is not an official Mexican holiday (except in Puebla and nearby Veracruz). 

North of the border? That’s a different story. Cinco de Mayo has morphed into a bicultural celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine and heritage, even among people of non-Mexican heritage. In the U.S., this obscure 19th-century martial victory has been adopted as the day to sip margaritas, eat nachos, drink Mexican beer and savor churros, a popular dessert.

The modern American focus on Cinco de Mayo started in California in 1863 during the Gold Rush. Mexican miners were so overjoyed at the news of victory in Puebla that they fired off rifle shots and sang patriotic songs.

Decades later, Cinco de Mayo became popular during the rise of the Chicano Movement in the 1940s. The holiday spread from California to the rest of the U.S. and took off in the 1960s, when Mexican immigrants and Chicano activists adopted the holiday as a way to foster pride in their Mexican heritage. 

But it wasn’t until the 1980s, when advertising campaigns by beer and spirits companies highlighted the celebratory nature of the day, that Cinco de Mayo gained widespread popularity. Along with the revenue, these promotional efforts generated a broader appreciation for Mexican culture and a deeper awareness of the contributions of Mexican Americans to U.S. society, a happy accident.  

Cinco de Mayo calls for a fiesta. It may be a non-event in Mexico except in tourist destinations such as Los Cabos, but the revelry in the U.S. is non-stop. 

In addition to Mariachi music, traditional Mexican foods, from guacamole to tamales, are a big part of a Cinco de Mayo celebration. But it’s the margarita, the most in-demand cocktail in the world, that’s most closely associated with the holiday. 

It’s a simple drink with only three ingredients, though there are many variations. The basic margarita calls for 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, and one ounce of fresh lime juice. Salt on the rim of the glass is optional. The drink is generally served shaken with ice. 

Here are four Pueblo Bonito bars where you can raise a glass and toast Cinco de Mayo in style.  

• V Rooftop Bar, Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende: The rooftop terrace atop this splendid new hotel overlooks the skyline of a shimmering colonial city. Sample one of the tequila-based cocktails on the menu, drink in the view. 
• Lobby Bar, Sunset Beach: Order the Signature Margarita, made with top-shelf Clas Azul tequila (the one in the blue and white ceramic bottle), Cointreau, Grand Marnier, agave syrup, fresh lime and lemon juice. It is incomparable.

• Quivira Steakhouse: The club’s open-air bar, located in the thatched roof clubhouse at Quivira Golf Club within earshot of the surf, is one of the best 19th holes in Los Cabos. The bartenders here have mastered the art of shaking up the perfect margarita for thirsty golfers.
• Peninsula Lounge, Pacifica: This relaxing, open-air bar and lounge, a stone’s throw from the beach, has a smooth wooden deck and plush, comfortable seating. The Lounge is known for its artisanal cocktails, none better than its classic margarita on the rocks. 

Plan your stay today!