If you’re looking for an authentic Cinco de Mayo, head straight to Puebla, Mexico. Puebla is Mexico’s fifth largest city, a place that’s well known for its regional cuisine, Spanish colonial architecture and Talavera tiles. It’s also one of the few Mexican cities that celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo isn’t an official holiday. Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, which is actually on September 16, Cinco de Mayo commemorates a historic battle against Spanish colonizers. The battle was fought in Puebla, which continues to mark the occasion with historical reenactments and a parade.
The view of the parade route from the roof terrace of the Banyan Tree Puebla hotel. 
Confetti tossed from a float at the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade 
Marchers in the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexico 
Performers on a float at the Cinco de Mayo parade in Puebla, Mexico 
Marchers in the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexico 
Marchers in the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexico 
Marchers in the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexico 
Marchers in the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexico 
Marchers in the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexico 
Marchers in the Puebla Cinco de Mayo parade in Mexico
It was on May 5, 1862, that an underdog Mexican army defeated French forces led by a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. The French were acting as debt collectors coming to repossess Puebla but were successfully fought off—at least for a while.
Cinco de Mayo has since become a celebration of freedom from colonialism and oppression. That’s a celebration I can get behind, and I appreciate the way Puebla observes it.
This is a rare community celebration that doesn’t feel overly commercialized. When I spent Cinco de Mayo in Puebla in 2022, I was as pleasantly surprised by the things I didn’t see as I was by what I saw. There were no long lines for food or drinks. There were no T-shirts, tote bags or merch stands. The focus was on Mexican history and not indulgent celebration for the sake of it. It felt real.
So instead of booking a flight to Cozumel or Cancun to look for a tequila-spiked Cinco de Mayo party, consider a trip to Puebla, Mexico. Watch the parade. Check out Spanish colonial architecture. Sample moles, shop for Talavera tiles or try chiles en nogada, stuffed poblano peppers topped with a walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds.
Make it an authentic Cinco de Mayo you’ll never forget.
