Cinco de Mayo 2027
Cinco de Mayo 2027 is on Wednesday, May 5, 2027 (in 189 days). It commemorates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and is a celebration of Mexican American culture. It is not a federal holiday.
- Date
- Wednesday, May 5, 2027
- Countdown
- In 189 days
- Federal holiday
- No
- Date rule
- May 5 (fixed date)
- Possible dates
- Always May 5; only the weekday changes
- Next occurrence
- Friday, May 5, 2028
Cinco de Mayo dates by year
| Year | Date | Weekday | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | 176 days ago |
| 2027 | May 5, 2027 | Wednesday | in 189 days |
| 2028 | May 5, 2028 | Friday | in 18 months |
| 2029 | May 5, 2029 | Saturday | in 2 years |
| 2030 | May 5, 2030 | Sunday | in 3 years |
| 2031 | May 5, 2031 | Monday | in 4 years |
| 2032 | May 5, 2032 | Wednesday | in 5 years |
| 2033 | May 5, 2033 | Thursday | in 6 years |
| 2034 | May 5, 2034 | Friday | in 7 years |
| 2035 | May 5, 2035 | Saturday | in 8 years |
Dates are calculated from the rule shown above, not copied from a list, so they stay correct for any year. See everything else happening that month in the calendar for May 2027.
The date of Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo means "the fifth of May" in Spanish, and the date never changes, only the weekday. When May 5 falls on a weekday, many cities hold their parades and festivals on the nearest weekend. In 2028 Cinco de Mayo is on Friday, May 5, 2028.
The Battle of Puebla
In the early 1860s Mexico suspended payments on its foreign debts, and France under Napoleon III sent an army to take control of the country. On May 5, 1862, a smaller and poorly equipped Mexican force led by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French army at Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. The French captured Puebla a year later and occupied Mexico until 1867, but the victory became a symbol of resistance against a stronger foreign power.
Not Mexican Independence Day
Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexico's Independence Day, which is September 16 and marks the start of the war of independence from Spain in 1810. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a much smaller civic observance, celebrated mainly in the state of Puebla with military parades and reenactments of the battle. It is far more popular in the United States than in Mexico.
How it became an American celebration
Mexican communities in California celebrated the victory at Puebla as early as 1863, during the American Civil War, when they saw the fight against the French as part of a wider struggle for freedom and democracy. In the 20th century the day grew into a celebration of Mexican American identity, especially during the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s. From the 1980s, advertising by beer and food companies turned it into a nationwide party.
How Americans celebrate
Celebrations include parades, mariachi music, folklorico dancing, street festivals and Mexican food such as tacos, tamales, mole poblano and guacamole. Some of the biggest events are held in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Denver and Chicago. Cinco de Mayo is not a federal or state holiday, so offices, schools and banks are open, and restaurants and bars are often busiest in the evening.
Frequently asked questions about Cinco de Mayo
When is Cinco de Mayo 2027?
Cinco de Mayo 2027 is on Wednesday, May 5, 2027.
When is Cinco de Mayo 2028?
Cinco de Mayo 2028 is on Friday, May 5, 2028.
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day?
No. Mexican Independence Day is September 16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Is Cinco de Mayo a federal holiday?
No. It is not a federal or state holiday in the United States, and offices and schools are open.
Is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico?
Yes, but mostly in the state of Puebla. It is a much bigger celebration in the United States.