Cinco de Mayo Isn’t What You Think: The Battle of Puebla, Mexican Culture & the Myths We Need to Break

Sunny and Hector
May 4
7 min read

From Confusion to Connection: What Cinco de Mayo Taught Me About Mexican Culture

Woman sitting in front of white Puebla letters at Los Fuertes in Puebla, Mexico, reflecting on the cultural and historical significance of the site and her personal connection to Mexican heritage. — **Rooted in love, learning, and mole.** Sitting in front of the iconic *Puebla* letters in Los Fuertes—where history, culture, and connection come together. This city is where I first began to understand the real story behind Cinco de Mayo... and the deeper story of my own cross-cultural journey.

Let’s be real—if you ask a room full of people what Cinco de Mayo celebrates, chances are a good chunk will say it’s Mexico’s Independence Day. But spoiler alert: it’s not.

For a long time, I didn’t know the truth either. That started to change when I met my husband, who’s Mexican. Through him, I was introduced not just to incredible dishes from Puebla—mole poblano, tacos árabes, chiles en nogada—but to the stories and traditions behind them. What started as simple conversations over food turned into a journey of cultural discovery. I began to understand the real significance of Cinco de Mayo—not the Americanized version with sombreros and margaritas, but the deep history of resistance, pride, and identity rooted in the city of Puebla.

So how did a single battle in 1862 turn into one of the most misunderstood and widely celebrated Mexican holidays, especially in the U.S.? And why does Puebla matter so much—not just historically, but culturally and culinarily? Let’s dig in and set the record straight.

Cinco de Mayo Is Not Mexican Independence Day. Here’s What It Actually Is

First things first: Mexican Independence Day is September 16. That’s the day Mexico marks its declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule, and it’s a major national holiday with parades, fireworks, and civic ceremonies across the country.

Cinco de Mayo, on the other hand, commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. During this battle, an outnumbered and poorly equipped Mexican army defeated the French forces—one of the most powerful military machines in the world at the time. It wasn’t a strategic turning point in the war, but it was a huge morale booster and symbol of Mexican resistance.

The Battle of Puebla: Why It Mattered So Much

The year was 1862, and Mexico was reeling from years of internal conflict and crushing debt. When President Benito Juárez suspended debt payments to European powers, France—eager to expand its empire under Napoleon III—saw an opportunity. They sent troops across the Atlantic with plans to install a puppet monarchy in Mexico, led by Archduke Maximilian of Austria.

Their point of entry? The port city of Veracruz, on Mexico’s eastern coast. From there, the French army began marching inland toward Mexico City. But before they could reach the capital, they had to go through Puebla.

Historic battle scene battle of Puebla with soldiers on horseback, diverse uniforms, smoke rising from cannon fire. landscape with mountains in the background. — The Battle of Puebla

Why Puebla Was So Important:

Strategic Location: Puebla was the final stronghold before reaching Mexico City. Controlling Puebla meant having a direct path to take over the capital.
Natural Defenses: Nestled in a valley and surrounded by hills, Puebla gave Mexican forces a geographic advantage to defend themselves.
Symbolic Value: Holding Puebla meant preserving national pride and slowing the momentum of an invading European empire.

Despite being outgunned and outnumbered—with only around 2,000 Mexican troops against 6,000 seasoned French soldiers—General Ignacio Zaragoza led his troops to a stunning victory. He fortified positions near the Forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, using the terrain and local knowledge to their advantage. The battle lasted just a day, but its impact rippled across the nation and beyond.

As General Zaragoza famously reported:“Las armas nacionales se han cubierto de gloria.”“The national arms have been covered with glory.”

Why Cinco de Mayo Is Bigger in the U.S. Than in Mexico

Here’s the twist: while the battle was historic, Cinco de Mayo isn’t a national holiday in Mexico, and outside of Puebla, it’s not widely celebrated. In Puebla, it's marked with reenactments, parades, and ceremonies—but for most of Mexico, it’s a quiet day.

So how did it become such a thing in the United States?

How It Gained Traction:

Chicano Movement: In the 1960s and 70s, Mexican-American communities adopted Cinco de Mayo as a symbol of cultural pride and resilience, especially during the civil rights era.
Cultural Celebration: It became a way for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their heritage and educate others on Mexican history.
Commercial Influence: In the 1980s and beyond, brands (especially in the food and beverage industries) began promoting Cinco de Mayo as a celebration—turning it into a pop-culture phenomenon.

In the U.S. today, it's often celebrated with parades, music, folklórico dancing, and yes, a whole lot of tacos and margaritas. But at its heart, it’s about cultural appreciation and honoring a shared history of resilience.

Puebla: A Culinary Capital Worth Celebrating

Now let’s talk about Puebla’s other claim to fame: the food. This city isn’t just a battlefield—it’s a gastronomic heavyweight in Mexico’s culinary landscape.

1. Mole Poblano

Puebla’s most iconic dish. This rich, chocolate-tinged sauce made with over 20 ingredients is often served over turkey or chicken. It’s earthy, spicy, sweet, and totally unforgettable.

Legend has it, mole was created by nuns from the Convent of Santa Rosa who had to whip up something special for visiting royalty. What they invented became a national treasure.

2. Chiles en Nogada

A patriotic dish featuring poblano peppers stuffed with meat and dried fruits, covered in a creamy walnut sauce (nogada), and topped with pomegranate seeds—representing the Mexican flag. It’s traditionally served during Independence Day season, but it originated in—you guessed it—Puebla.

3. Street Food Legends

Tacos Árabes: A mix of Middle Eastern and Mexican flavors, with spit-roasted pork in pita-like bread.
Cemitas Poblanas: Gigantic sandwiches packed with avocado, chipotle, cheese, and milanesa.
Camotes (Sweet Potato Candies): Wrapped in bright foil, these treats are a Pueblan staple.
Tortitas de Santa Clara: Shortbread cookies filled with a sweet pumpkin seed paste.

Every bite of Pueblan cuisine tells a story, shaped by colonial history, Indigenous roots, immigrant influences, and pure creativity.

Why Cinco de Mayo—and Puebla—Matter

So, what have we learned? Cinco de Mayo isn’t about independence—it’s about resistance, pride, and cultural strength. It’s about a small city that stood tall in the face of a mighty empire. And it’s about how that spirit of defiance and resilience lives on through culture, community, and—of course—food.

Whether you’re in Puebla, Los Angeles, or Melbourne, celebrating Cinco de Mayo is a chance to connect with history and culture in a meaningful way.

Celebrate With Purpose: Try This

Read: More about General Ignacio Zaragoza and the French Intervention and our Guide to hosting Cinco de Mayo Party
Cook: Mole poblano or cemitas poblanas with friends or family.
Support: Local Mexican-owned restaurants and cultural groups.
Learn: Watch documentaries or attend community events to dive deeper into the true meaning behind the day.
Listen: Pass the chipotle Podcast

FAQs About Cinco de Mayo

Q: Is Cinco de Mayo a national holiday in Mexico?

A: Nope! It’s mostly celebrated in Puebla and marked with historical tributes. It's not a federal holiday.

Q: Why is it so popular in the U.S.?

A: It was embraced during the Chicano Movement and popularized through cultural celebrations and commercial marketing.

Q: What’s the best way to celebrate respectfully?

A: Honor the history, learn about the culture, support Mexican businesses, and avoid stereotypes.

Q: What food should I try from Puebla?

A: Mole poblano, tacos árabes, cemitas, and chiles en nogada are all must-haves!

One Last Bite of Inspiration

Cinco de Mayo Isn’t What You Think: The Battle of Puebla Mexican Culture & the myths It's more than a party. It’s a reminder that even the smallest communities can make the biggest difference. It’s a celebration of culture, identity, and resistance. So this May 5th, raise your glass, plate, or fork not just in celebration—but in remembrance and respect.

¡Viva Puebla! ¡Viva México!

Author’s Note: Real Talk About Loving Across Cultures

Woman with long dark hair smiling warmly in a white shirt, set against a vibrant pink wall with tall green cacti bright, welcoming, and full of personality. — Hi, I’m Sunny, Cook, cultural translator, and your go-to guide for authentic Mexican food, culture, and travel. I married into a Mexican family, learned to cook traditional recipes from scratch, and now I help you do the same—so you can connect deeply through food, not just follow a recipe. Come for the tacos, stay for the cultural fluency

This post comes from a deeply personal place of learning, love, and transformation. I’m not Mexican, but I’m married to a wonderful Mexican man and through our relationship, I’ve had the honour of experiencing the richness of Mexican culture, especially the powerful history and pride rooted in Puebla.

What started as a curiosity about tacos and mole turned into a journey of becoming culturally fluent, more confident, and finally feeling connected to my husband and his family.

If you’re dating a Mexican man, married to a Mexican partner, If you're in a relationship with a Mexican partner, and you've ever felt unsure how to connect culturally—especially when food, family, or communication feel like another language—I see you.

I’m opening up a few spots this month for Cultural Connection calls. Conversation to help you make sense of it all.

Book directly here:

Book Your Cultural Connection Call

Let’s explore what connection looks like—beyond words and recipes.