Excuse to Throw on a Poncho

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Immigrantly Team
May 05, 2025

A Symbol of Resistance

For many Americans, Cinco de Mayo is an excuse to throw on a poncho, sip spicy margaritas, and indulge in discounted tacos. Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, the holiday has ironically become more widely celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico.

But what’s the real story behind Cinco de Mayo? The day actually commemorates Mexico’s victory against the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the United States, however, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage.

The holiday gained traction during the Chicano Movement of the notes, “Rights for farm workers and education were the primary focus due to severe discrimination that Hispanic laborers faced daily.” Activists also rallied against the disproportionate drafting of young Mexican-Americans into the Vietnam War.

Cinco de Mayo became a symbol of resistance—a way for Mexican-Americans to reclaim pride and visibility. Celebrating the Battle of Puebla offered a moment of empowerment for a community long denied the chance to publicly honor its culture. 

Want to learn more about the activists behind the movement? Here’s a documentary on the iconic Dolores Huerta, an activist who worked alongside César Chávez. Directed by Peter Bratt, the PBS documentary follows her life from childhood to her early years with the United Farm Workers and includes interviews from other important feminists such as Angela Davis and Gloria Steinem. 

Chicano Activist Dolores Huerta | Source

At Immigrantly, we love to celebrate different cultures and holidays. 

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This newsletter was curated by Suhasini Patni.

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