Mole poblano is the traditional Puebla dish often associated with Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Mole poblano is a rich sauce from Puebla made with a blend of ingredients that can include chili peppers, spices, nuts, seeds, herbs, fruit, and chocolate. It is commonly served over turkey or chicken. Its layered flavor and Puebla origin make it a natural feature of meals connected with the holiday.
The dish is surrounded by several origin stories. One famous legend says nuns at the Convent of Santa Rosa in Puebla improvised the sauce for an important visitor, though historians treat the story as folklore rather than a proven single origin. Mole developed over time through Indigenous, Spanish, and other culinary influences.
Mole poblano is not the only food served on Cinco de Mayo. Mexican and Mexican-American celebrations vary widely, and tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and other regional dishes may also appear.