
Image by David Peterson from Pixabay
Every year on May 5th, Americans who look like me fire up the margarita machines, grab the faux sombreros, and toast to “Mexican Independence Day”… except, that’s not what Cinco de Mayo is at all.
As someone who’s spent a good bit of time in Mexico City, I’ve seen firsthand how misunderstood this holiday really is. My oldest son’s dad lived in the heart of CDMX for a stretch, and during that time, I learned a lot about Mexican culture and traditions — not just the tourist version, but the real, everyday rhythms of life.
And here’s the truth: Cinco de Mayo isn’t a major holiday in Mexico. In fact, outside of the city of Puebla — where the Battle of Puebla took place in 1862 — most of the country doesn’t do much to mark the occasion. It’s not a federal holiday, and in Mexico City, it usually passes without parades, fireworks, or fanfare.
September 16th, on the other hand, is the day that matters — Día de la Independencia. Now that is a celebration. Streets fill with music, families gather, flags wave proudly, and the entire country seems to come alive with patriotic pride. It’s their version of the Fourth of July — loud, passionate, and deeply meaningful.
So why is Cinco de Mayo such a big deal in the U.S.?
Over time, it’s evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture — which is worth celebrating — but somewhere along the way, the original meaning got blurred. What started as a commemoration of Mexico’s underdog victory over the French has turned into a marketing opportunity, often stripped of cultural context. And honestly? That deserves some reflection.
That said, in our house, we do love a reason to celebrate — but we do it with respect and authenticity. Tonight, Santiago and I will be grilling up carne asada tacos, making homemade salsa and guacamole, and enjoying an ice-cold Modelo on the patio. Not because we think it’s Mexican Independence Day — but because we appreciate the culture, the food, and the deeper stories behind it all.
So go ahead and enjoy the day — just maybe skip the sombrero and take a moment to learn what you’re really celebrating.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.