In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is holiday that is celebrated regionally, largely in the state of Puebla, to commemorate the Battle of Puebla. The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862, and resulted in the Mexican Army defeating a larger and more well-prepared French Army. It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican Independence The Mexican Independence holiday is celebrated on September 17 annually. Across Mexico and the United States, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held that have evolved to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. These local festivals often feature parades, live music, cultural dancing, and more.
If you are visiting Cozumel on Cinco de Mayo and are expecting a large cultural celebration, you may be disappointed. The locals in Cozumel in Cozumel typically do not throw big celebratory events to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. You typically may find a few more people celebrating in local bars and pubs, but there is not a large community festival on the island to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. On certain years, you may also find special military ceremonies performed by the Mexican Army. Other than that, the day passes as most other days in Cozumel. You will still have access to a full range of cruises, tours, and attractions. These, as well as shops and restaurants typically remain open during normal business hours for Cinco de Mayo.
Just because there is not a scheduled celebration for Cinco de Mayo in Mexico doesn't mean you can't celebrate on your own. In the United States, many people of all backgrounds and ethnicities celebrate Cinco de Mayo by visiting Mexican restaurants, learning more about the culture with a visit to a cultural center or museum, or spending time in a Mexican-style bar. As the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, take some time on Cinco de Mayo to learn more about the culture in these various ways.
Often, you will find larger community-wide celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in the United States than in Mexico. However, you can still celebrate the day on your trip to tropical paradise by spending the day exploring the island's history and culture!
