What is the literal English translation of “Cinco de Mayo”?
Answer
Fifth of May
The literal English translation of “Cinco de Mayo” is “Fifth of May.” The Spanish phrase names the calendar date on which the holiday is observed each year.
Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The event is therefore also known as the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. It is also different from Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, observed primarily on November 1 and 2.
In Mexico, the observance is especially important in Puebla. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo developed into a broader celebration of Mexican heritage and culture.