When Is Cinco de Mayo 2026?

About Cinco de Mayo in 2026

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unexpected victory over the invading French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, during the Second French Intervention in Mexico.

The outnumbered Mexican forces at Puebla, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated a French army considered one of the most capable in the world at the time, which is why the win became such a symbol of resistance.

US celebrations of the date often emphasize Mexican culture and cuisine broadly, a framing that differs noticeably from Puebla's more narrowly historical commemoration.

Cinco de Mayo in 2026 — May 5th, a Tuesday with no long weekend.

Cinco de Mayo, 2026 — day 125 of 2026: ISO week 19 (Q2), 240 left.

Cinco de Mayo, 2026: next is Wednesday, May 5th; prior was Monday, May 5th.