Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Texas
While Cinco de Mayo is not traditionally a major Mexican holiday, it’s taken on a life of its own in the United States, especially in Texas. Every May 5, city streets and small-town squares across the state explode with colorful decorations, parades, mariachi music, and sizzling street tacos in a vibrant celebration of Mexican American pride … but have you ever wondered how it all started?
Let’s dive into the incredible story behind Cinco de Mayo and where to join the fiesta.
The History Behind Cinco de Mayo: The Battle of Puebla
You may have heard that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but that’s not accurate. Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain every Sept. 16. Cinco de Mayo, on the other hand, commemorates another occasion: The Mexican army’s unexpected victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla was a real underdog triumph, especially given the circumstances. Only two years prior, Mexico had emerged from a brutal civil war, leaving its army exhausted and financially devastated. Mexico defaulted on loans to several European countries, including France.
Meanwhile, France, led by Napoleon III, boasted one of the most formidable militaries in the world, armed with cutting-edge long-range rifles. Eager to collect on Mexico’s unpaid debts, Napoleon III seized the opportunity to invade Puebla.
However, overconfidence spelled doom for the French forces. Poor artillery prep and three failed uphill charges later, the ragtag Mexican army — under the leadership of Texas-born Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza — pulled off a stunning victory, sending the French troops into retreat.
This battle slowed France’s advance and humiliated Napoleon III, prompting him to dispatch 30,000 more soldiers to capture Mexico City. Eventually, though, the U.S. began providing weapons to the Mexican forces, and by 1866, Napoleon III’s funds were running low, and he withdrew his troops, ending the occupation for good.
Au revoir, Napoleon III. Hola, Cinco de Mayo!
Cinco Can’t-Miss Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Texas
Raise an agua fresca to toast Gen. Zaragoza at these fiestas.
Fiesta De Los Reyes, San Antonio
Friday, April 25 – Sunday, May 4
For a weeklong blend of culture, fun, and flavor that captures the lively spirit of San Antonio, head to Fiesta De Los Reyes, the longest-running free festival at San Antonio’s Historic Market Square and Milam Park. Take your pick of the daily and nightly live performances by Tejano, conjunto, Latin jazz, country-western, and even tribute bands. Don’t leave without getting your fix of authentic Mexican fare.
Viva La Fiesta, Odessa
Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4
Dubbed the “Biggest Cinco de Mayo Festival in West Texas,” Viva La Fiesta combines the best of Mexican and Western cultures. There’s a star-studded lineup of music artists taking the big stage and a few smaller acts you don’t want to miss, including pig racing and a sea lion show. Stick around for the charreada show, where charros (cowboys) and escaramuzas (female equestrian athletes) perform incredible horsemanship, roping, and riding feats.
Dallas Cinco de Mayo, Dallas
Saturday, May 3
Returning for another year, the Dallas Cinco de Mayo Parade, hosted by Oak Cliff Art, will once again strut its stuff on West Jefferson Boulevard. Past parades have included a spectacle of floats, inflatables, pounding drumlines, high-energy drill teams, traditional dancers and a lineup of tricked-out vintage cars.
East End Street Fest, Houston
Saturday, May 3
This colorful, family-friendly celebration of Mexican and Chicano arts, music, and heritage is not to be missed. Catch dazzling folk dancers, lively DJs and bands, luchadores (professional wrestlers), and a dedicated area for little niños to run wild.
Hispanic culture is woven into the heart of Texas, shaping our traditions, the food on our table, and how we speak. See just how deep that connection runs in our guide to Mexican culture in Texas.
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