Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated annually on May 5th that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The holiday has become quite popular in the United States as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Three colors are commonly associated with Cinco de Mayo – red, white, and green.
The History and Meaning Behind the 3 Cinco de Mayo Colors
The three colors associated with Cinco de Mayo hold deep meaning and symbolism for the holiday. They represent elements of Mexican history and culture.
Red
The color red is meant to symbolize the blood that was shed by Mexican fighters during the Battle of Puebla in 1862. On May 5th of that year, the Mexican army defeated invading French forces despite being heavily outnumbered. The unlikely victory became a source of great pride for the people of Mexico. The bold red color pays tribute to the sacrifices made by Mexican soldiers who lost their lives defending their country that day.
White
White represents courage and purity of ideals. The clean, crisp white color is symbolic of the righteous spirit with which the vastly outnumbered Mexican soldiers fought against the French. It took great bravery and principle for the Mexicans to stand up and push back the invading army. The white commemorates their honorable motivations and valiant effort.
Green
The color green stands for hope and independence. By defeating the French occupiers, Mexico defended its freedom and sovereignty. The victory provided the country with a renewed sense of hope. The green color embodies that feeling of optimism and the achievement of liberty that resulted from the Battle of Puebla.
The Origins of the 3 Cinco de Mayo Colors
The red, white, and green colors associated with modern celebrations of Cinco de Mayo originated from Mexico’s national flag. The exact symbolism of the flag’s colors has evolved over time, taking on new meanings.
Mexico’s Flag
Mexico’s current flag was adopted in 1968, but similar tricolor flags in the same color scheme existed long before then. Mexico’s first national flag was first used in 1821 when the country gained independence from Spain.
The original meaning behind the colors on Mexican flags was:
- Green – Independence
- White – Religion
- Red – Union of American and European cultures
Over time, the symbolism shifted to align more with Mexico’s indigenous roots:
- Green – Hope and victory
- White – Purity
- Red – The blood of heroes
This is the set of meanings commonly associated with the colors today. The red, white, and green on Mexico’s flag perfectly embodied the sentiments around the country’s triumph at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Adoption on Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo celebrations came into popularity in the 1860s shortly after Mexico’s victory over the French at Puebla. Parades and fiestas were held each year on May 5th, incorporating red, white and green decorations in honor of the Mexican flag.
Mexican immigrants to the United States brought Cinco de Mayo traditions with them. In the 1940s and 1950s, more American cities with Mexican populations like Los Angeles and Houston began holding Cinco de Mayo festivities incorporating the three symbolic colors.
Over time, the red, white and green color scheme became an established part of Cinco de Mayo celebrations across the United States, indelibly linked to the holiday.
Traditions and Practices Featuring the 3 Cinco de Mayo Colors
There are many traditions and practices associated with Cinco de Mayo that feature the three meaningful colors of the holiday. Here are some of the most popular ways the colors are incorporated:
Decorations
It is very common to decorate for Cinco de Mayo with red, white and green items. Streamers, paper flowers, flags, and other adornments in the three colors can be seen decorating homes, businesses, parks, and streets where festivities take place. Papel picado, a decorative Mexican folk art made from colored tissue paper, often includes the three colors and is a traditional decoration used during Cinco de Mayo.
Traditional Clothing
Many women and little girls celebrating Cinco de Mayo will wear traditional Mexican dresses and skirts in red, white and green. Men and boys may wear Mexican shirts or accessories featuring the colors.
Mexican Flags
It is highly common to see Mexican flags proudly displayed for Cinco de Mayo. The red, white and green tricolor flag is a central symbol of the holiday.
Face Painting
During Cinco de Mayo festivities, people may have their faces painted using red, white and green patterns. Children at parades and parties enjoy having their faces decorated to embrace the colors of the holiday.
Fireworks
Fireworks displays are a popular part of many Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The bursts of color against the night sky often include vivid reds, whites and greens.
Food and Drinks
Traditional Mexican foods and beverages served at Cinco de Mayo gatherings may also incorporate the symbolic colors:
- Salsas and Pico de Gallo – Made with red tomatoes, white onions, and green cilantro and lime.
- Tortilla Chips – Red, white and green chips served with dips.
- White rice stained with red tomato or green cilantro and served with red beans.
- Margaritas and Aguas Frescas – Red, white or green colored drinks.
- Tres Leches Cake – Sponge cake soaked in three milks and frosted white.
Key Facts About the 3 Cinco de Mayo Colors
In summary, here are some key facts about the history and meaning behind the 3 colors associated with Cinco de Mayo celebrations:
| Red | Symbolizes the bloodshed by Mexican soldiers at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 |
| White | Represents courage and the purity of the Mexican soldiers’ ideals |
| Green | Stands for hope and independence |
| Origins | The colors come from the Mexican flag adopted after independence from Spain |
| Traditions | The colors are incorporated through decorations, clothing, flags, food, and more |
Conclusion
Red, white and green are integral to Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage. The colors hold deep cultural symbolism and history. They represent concepts like sacrifice, hope, courage and freedom that are associated with Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
The three colors originate from Mexico’s national flag and have long been significant in Mexico. Their incorporation into Cinco de Mayo festivities helped establish them as the colors that characterize the holiday.
From flags and outfits to parties and food, the colors red, white and green are embedded in many Cinco de Mayo traditions and celebrations both in Mexico and the United States. They are proudly displayed as a recognition of Mexican identity and a commemoration of an important moment in the nation’s history.
