When is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is always May 5. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Wednesday, May 5, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 205 days to go, which is about 29 weeks and 2 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
A little history
Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico's surprise victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It's not Mexican Independence Day; that's September 16. The holiday is actually much bigger in the US than in most of Mexico.
How people celebrate
In the US it's a celebration of Mexican-American culture with parades, mariachi music, folk dancing and lots of tacos and margaritas. In Puebla there's a big military parade and battle reenactment. If you're throwing a party, support a local taquería for the food.
Closures and practical notes
It's not a federal holiday in the US or a national holiday in Mexico, so businesses are open as usual.
Planning tips
It isn't a day off for most people, so the real trick is planning around your normal week. Put a reminder in your phone a week before, and another two days before, so you're not scrambling the night before.
If you're buying anything for it, whether flowers, food, costumes or decorations, shopping a week or two early is cheaper and way less stressful than the last-minute rush.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Cinco de Mayo 2027?
Wednesday, May 5, 2027.
What day of the week is Cinco de Mayo in 2027?
It's a Wednesday (May 5, 2027).
Is Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day?
No. Mexican Independence Day is September 16; Cinco de Mayo marks the 1862 Battle of Puebla.