Cinco de Mayo, observed annually on May 5, commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla.
Some students suggested the day was less about history alone but rather culture, identity and community. Pointing to a common theme: Cinco de Mayo connects history with present-day traditions.
Senior Deisy Perez Silvestre said Cinco de Mayo represents pride and cultural expression, especially for students with ties to Mexico.
“To me, it means to demonstrate and celebrate your pride for Mexico and show how much you love Mexico in general,” said Perez.
Perez added that, in her experience, celebrations were more common among “second-generation children of immigrants.”
While some students emphasized cultural identity, others pointed to the holiday’s historical roots.
Sophomore Jayleen Fuentes said Cinco de Mayo “commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces,” highlighting the significance of the Battle of Puebla.
A view echoed by sophomore Isaias Alonso, who also described it as a celebration of Mexico’s victory.
Students described Cinco de Mayo celebrations that ranged from family traditions to large community gatherings.
Fuentes said she and her father “hang Mexican flags on our Corvette” before going “cruising in downtown, while blasting music.”
Alonso said that when he was in Mexico, he celebrated with food and piñatas, describing a more family-centered tradition.
Sophomore Bella Rodriguez pointed to community events as a key part of the holiday. Rodriguez is said to have attended “car shows and festivals where there’s food and dances.”
For sophomore Gernaldo Gomez, the day balanced celebration with remembrance. Before attending events with “parades, a lot of lowriders, a lot of people,” he first visited family graves and left flowers in their honor.
The holiday is ultimately “a celebration of Hispanic culture,” said Gomez.
Del Mar students continue to mark Cinco de Mayo in different ways, but their experiences reflect a shared link between cultural memory and present-day celebration.
