Cinco de Mayo: More Than a Party. But also a really great party.

First, the story you probably weren’t told.

Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That is September 16th. What May 5th commemorates is something smaller in scale but enormous in meaning: the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where a Mexican army of roughly 2,000 soldiers — outnumbered, outgunned, and underestimated — defeated one of the most powerful military forces in the world at the time, Napoleon III’s French army.

The French were not just passing through. They had ambitions to establish an empire across Latin America. And here’s the part that most Americans never hear: that victory may have directly changed the course of U.S. history.

Historians have argued that had Mexico fallen quickly, France would likely have supported the Confederate States during the American Civil War — altering the outcome of a conflict that defined this nation.

Mexico held the line. And in doing so, may have helped preserve the United States as we know it today.

That’s not just a story worth celebrating. That’s a story worth knowing.

Food: The Heart of Every Celebration 

At Mexico Rico La Costeña, we believe that flavor carries history. When you open a can of Refried Black Beans, or add Pickled Jalapeño Nacho Slices to your tacos, you’re not just cooking—you’re continuing a legacy. 

From our Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce to hearty Homestyle Mexican Salsa, our products bring convenient, authentic flavor straight to your kitchen, no matter where you are or where your roots begin. 

Whether you're reconnecting with your heritage, exploring new tastes, or creating cross-cultural traditions at home—you’re part of this celebration. 

Now, about that party.

Here’s something worth knowing: Cinco de Mayo is actually more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, where it is not even a federal holiday. Outside of the state of Puebla, most Mexicans treat May 5th as a regular Tuesday.

In the U.S., the holiday took on a life of its own in the 1960s, when Mexican American activists used the date to celebrate identity, resilience, and cultural pride. By the 1980s, it had spread nationwide — and yes, brands helped with that, turning it into a day of music, food, and community gatherings across the country.

And here’s our honest take: there’s real beauty in a celebration that belongs to everyone. When an American who has never set foot in Mexico sits down to eat a plate of chipotle chicken tostadas and feels, even briefly, connected to a culture that is not their own — that is food doing what food has always done. It brings people together across every border there is.

Three recipes to make your Cinco de Mayo unforgettable.

Whether you’re hosting a full spread, bringing a dish to share, or cooking just for yourself — these are the recipes that belong on your May 5th table. All made with authentic La Costeña® ingredients. All waiting for you at mexicorico.com.

However you celebrate — make it con sabor.

Cinco de Mayo is many things. It is history. It is heritage. It is the kind of cultural moment that reminds us that food has always been how people connect, remember, and belong.

At La Costeña®, we are proud to be part of that story — in your pantry, at your table, and in every dish you make for the people you love. This May 5th, cook something worth the occasion.

So celebrate. Gather. Make noise. Just do it with a little sabor and a lot of intention. 

Explore our full collection of Mexican favorites here and find new ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with boldness and heart. 

Find more recipes and inspiration at mexicorico.com. 

 The La Costeña® Team