Cinco de Mayo in the UK: How to Celebrate with Authentic Food

What Cinco de Mayo Actually Is (And Is Not)

Let us start by clearing up the single biggest misconception: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. Mexican Independence Day falls on 16th September and is a much bigger celebration in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a completely different event, and understanding what actually happened makes the celebration far more meaningful.

The Real History

On 5th May 1862, a heavily outnumbered Mexican army defeated the French Empire's forces at the Battle of Puebla. France, then one of the world's most powerful military nations, had invaded Mexico to establish a puppet monarchy and collect on unpaid debts.

The Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza and composed largely of indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec soldiers with limited training, defeated the French army against all odds. It was a David-versus-Goliath moment that became a symbol of Mexican resilience and national pride.

However, the victory at Puebla was not the end of the story. France eventually sent reinforcements, captured Mexico City and installed Emperor Maximilian I (an Austrian archduke) as ruler. It took until 1867 for Mexico to fully expel the French and restore the republic.

Why It Became Big in America (But Not in Mexico)

Here is the irony: Cinco de Mayo is celebrated far more enthusiastically in the United States than in Mexico, where it is primarily observed in the state of Puebla. In the US, it evolved in the 1960s through the Chicano movement into a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, and was later commercialised heavily by beer and food companies.

In Mexico itself, 5th May is a relatively minor holiday. Schools are closed and there are ceremonies in Puebla, but there are no nationwide parties, and most Mexicans treat it as a normal day.

How to Celebrate Authentically in the UK

Despite its complicated history, Cinco de Mayo has become a global occasion for celebrating Mexican culture, and there is nothing wrong with using it as an excuse to enjoy excellent Mexican food and drinks, as long as you do so with genuine respect and appreciation for the culture rather than reducing it to sombreros and tequila shots.

Host a Poblano-Themed Dinner

Since Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle in Puebla, consider making dishes from that region:

Mole Poblano

The most famous dish from Puebla and one of Mexico's greatest culinary achievements. A rich, complex sauce made with dried chiles, chocolate, nuts, spices and much more, traditionally served over turkey. See our beginner's guide to mole for a simplified recipe.

Chiles en Nogada

Perhaps Mexico's most patriotic dish. Roasted poblano chiles stuffed with a mixture of ground pork, dried fruits and nuts, covered in a white walnut cream sauce and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. The colours represent the Mexican flag: green (chile), white (sauce) and red (pomegranate).

This is traditionally a late summer dish (pomegranate and walnut season in Mexico) but can be made in May with imported ingredients available in UK supermarkets.

Cemitas Poblanas

A magnificent sandwich from Puebla: a sesame-seed bun filled with breaded chicken or beef, avocado, Oaxacan cheese, chipotles and the herb papalo. Use a good sesame burger bun, breaded chicken, sliced avocado, mozzarella and chipotle from a can for a UK approximation.

Classic Mexican Drinks

Margaritas

The quintessential Cinco de Mayo cocktail. For a proper margarita: 50ml blanco tequila (100% agave), 25ml fresh lime juice, 20ml Cointreau, 10ml agave syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Never use bottled margarita mix.

Michelada

Mexico's answer to a Bloody Mary, made with beer instead of vodka. Mix the juice of 2 limes, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce to taste and a pinch of salt in a tall glass with ice. Top with a Mexican lager (Corona, Modelo or Pacifico, all available at UK supermarkets and off-licences). Rim the glass with Tajin or chile salt if you have it.

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Water)

A beautiful, deep red non-alcoholic drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. Boil 50g dried hibiscus flowers (available from health food shops or Mexican ingredient shops) in 1 litre of water for 10 minutes. Strain, add sugar to taste (about 80g) and the juice of 2 limes. Chill thoroughly. Serve over ice. It is refreshing, tart and absolutely delicious.

Cinco de Mayo Events in the UK

The UK's Cinco de Mayo celebration scene has grown significantly:

London

Several venues host Cinco de Mayo parties, ranging from casual taco and margarita nights to full cultural celebrations with live music, mariachi bands and Mexican folk dancing. Check Time Out London and Eventbrite for listings closer to the date.

Manchester

Manchester's Northern Quarter has become a hub for Mexican food and culture, with several restaurants and bars hosting Cinco de Mayo events.

Birmingham, Edinburgh and Beyond

Mexican restaurants across the UK typically offer special Cinco de Mayo menus and events. Check with your local Mexican restaurants for their plans.

A Cinco de Mayo Menu Plan

If you are hosting at home, here is a complete menu that is achievable for a home cook:

Appetizers

• Guacamole and tortilla chips
• Pico de gallo with totopos

Main Course (choose one)

• Simplified mole poblano with chicken and Mexican rice
• Build-your-own taco bar with carnitas and tinga de pollo
• Cemitas poblanas (Puebla-style sandwiches)

Dessert

• Churros with chocolate dipping sauce
• Tres leches cake (available from some bakeries, or make from scratch)

Drinks

• Margaritas (pre-batched in a jug)
• Micheladas
• Agua de jamaica (non-alcoholic)

Setting the Atmosphere

Create an authentic Mexican atmosphere without resorting to stereotypes:

• Music: Create a playlist of contemporary Mexican music. Try artists like Natalia Lafourcade, Carla Morrison, Mon Laferte or classic mariachi from Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Avoid novelty "Mexican" music.
• Decorations: Use colourful papel picado (perforated paper banners, available from Amazon UK or Mexican shops). Fresh flowers in bright colours. Candles.
• Table setting: Colourful tablecloths or runners. Terracotta or brightly painted ceramic serving bowls if you have them.

Respectful Celebration

A few words on celebrating responsibly:

• Do learn about the real history and share it with your guests
• Do make an effort with authentic recipes and quality ingredients
• Do support Mexican-owned restaurants and businesses
• Do not wear sombreros, fake moustaches or ponchos as costumes
• Do not reduce Mexican culture to tequila shots and stereotypes

Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate Mexican culture, history and cuisine. Do it with enthusiasm, generosity and respect, and you will have a genuinely memorable evening.

For recipes, browse our full collection. For ingredients, check our UK Mexican shops directory. And for the professional touch, see which of our recommended Mexican restaurants are hosting Cinco de Mayo events this year.