If you’re anything like us, May 5th rolls around and the first thing you think is: tacos. Maybe margaritas. Definitely a reason to gather.
But Cinco de Mayo is more than just a day for good food and festive vibes — though we’ll get to the mouthwatering part in a bit.
Before you start marinating the carne asada or squeezing those limes, let’s dive into what Cinco de Mayo is really about, why it matters, and how you can celebrate it meaningfully (and deliciously) in 2025.
What Is Cinco de Mayo, Really?
Let’s clear something up right away: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That’s actually September 16th.
Cinco de Mayo marks the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862, when the Mexican army defeated the well-equipped French forces. Think of it as the underdog victory of the century.
France was trying to establish a foothold in Mexico, and the odds were stacked high. But Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza led his troops to a surprising and inspiring win in the town of Puebla. It didn’t end the war, but it gave the Mexican people a huge morale boost and sent a message: resilience can turn the tide, even in impossible situations.
Why Do We Celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
While it’s a relatively minor holiday in Mexico — mainly observed in Puebla itself — Cinco de Mayo has taken on a bigger life in the United States. For many Mexican-Americans, it’s a day to celebrate cultural pride, heritage, and community.
And for everyone else, it’s become a chance to connect with Mexican culture through music, dance, and — yes — food. It’s a tribute to perseverance, identity, and the richness of tradition.
And let’s be honest — food is one of the best ways to understand any culture.
How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in 2025
Now that you’ve got the backstory, let’s talk about how to celebrate this year — whether you’re hosting friends, cooking with family, or just looking to try something new in the kitchen.
1. Start with Authentic Flavors
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Mexican cuisine is already a flavor bomb waiting to happen. Instead of leaning on Tex-Mex shortcuts, try diving into dishes with deeper roots.
2. Chilaquiles Verdes
A classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring crispy tortilla chips simmered in a tangy green tomatillo sauce, topped with crema, queso fresco, and a sunny-side-up egg. Perfect for starting your Cinco de Mayo festivities with a burst of flavor.
3. Asada Chilaquiles Plate
Marinated steak with sliced onions and freshly fried tortilla chips sautéed in your choice of chilaquiles sauce: red spicy, red mild, green spicy, or green not spicy. Topped with a blend of jack and cheddar cheese and chives. Served with two eggs cooked any style and slow-cooked beans finished with cotija cheese.
4. Breakfast Wet Burrito
A hearty breakfast burrito filled with slow-cooked beans, scrambled eggs, and hashbrowns, all covered with your choice of Loaded Café's famous sauce: red spicy, red mild, green spicy, or green not spicy.
5. Machaca Plate
Shredded beef sautéed with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and scrambled eggs. Served with rice, beans, and tortillas. This hearty and flavorful dish brings bold, authentic taste to the table — perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Music, Decorations, and Vibes
Set the mood with some upbeat mariachi or Latin pop. String up some papel picado (colorful paper banners) and make your space feel like a mini street fiesta. If you’re hosting, maybe even set up a DIY tacos bar or elote (Mexican street corn) station.
More than anything, Cinco de Mayo is about connection — to culture, to history, and to each other. So don’t stress about making everything perfect. Focus on flavor, fun, and sharing stories over good food.
Celebrate With Heart
Cinco de Mayo is your chance to honor the spirit of Mexico — not through clichés, but through appreciation. Learn a bit of the history, cook something from scratch, and take a moment to reflect on the resilience of people who stood up for their home and identity.
