Planning on celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Might be easier to find a party in the United States.
Cinco de Mayo celebrations have gained popularity throughout U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Denver and Phoenix, among others, all of which hold festivals and street fairs aimed at celebrating Mexican culture.
The thing is, Cinco de Mayo has actually become a bigger deal in the United States than it is in Mexico.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo –- which means "May Fifth" in Spanish -- is not Mexico’s independence day. The holiday commemorates the battle of Puebla in 1862 where Mexican troops defeated French troops, although ultimately Mexico was defeated in the war.
Puebla is actually one of the few places in Mexico where Cinco de Mayo is truly celebrated. Most other cities just treat it like a normal day -- no celebrations, no mariachis, no parades.
Here are 5 Holidays that are actually celebrated all over Mexico:
Day of the Dead
, the Day of the Dead has both indigenous origins from the Aztec festival for Mictecacihuatl, The Lady of The Dead, and Catholic origins from the Spanish conquistadors’ All Saints and All Souls Day. People all over Mexico celebrate on November 1st and 2nd by putting up altars honoring the dead and visiting their graves with offerings.
Benito Juárez Day
Commemorated on the third Monday in March
, President of Mexico from 1857 to 1872. He was the first indigenous man to hold the country's highest political office.
as he resisted the French occupation, led the country into the modern world and restored the republic. On Benito Juárez Day, most businesses close and many travel for the long weekend. Political events and celebrations take place across the country, including in San Pablo Guelatao, Juarez’s hometown.
Independence Day
Mexico’s independence day is celebrated on Sept. 16th in honor of the country’s independence from Spanish rule in 1810.
(The Cry of Independence) this holiday is one of the biggest celebrations throughout Mexico, comparable to the 4th of July in the United States. People gather in the town squares to see fireworks, dance and watch parades. Some cities mark the occasion with bullfights.
Revolution Day
This public holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of November and
, which started in 1910 against President Porfirio Diaz and lasted until 1920. There are celebrations and parades throughout Mexico and most businesses and schools close.
Day of the Virgen Of Guadalupe
became a national holiday in Mexico in 1859. People from all over Mexico gather each year on Dec. 12 at Mexico City's Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe to celebrate the patron saint's birthday. Thousands gather around the Basilica and bring candles and offerings to honor her and they sing the famed "Las Mañanitas."
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.