Cinco de Mayo Costumes

In reality there are no special Cinco de Mayo costumes, but there are many ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) celebration is an official date, and it commemorates the day that the Mexican army triumphed over the French army at the battle of Puebla in 1862.

When talking about Mexican clothes and costumes, Mexican garments can be separated in three major categories: traditional Mexican costumes, celebration dresses and costumes, and modern clothes. During the Fifth of May celebrations, people like to wear traditional mexican costumes.

The History Behind Cinco de Mayo

The Cinco the Mayo celebration is now really popular in the US. More than celebrating the actual battle of Pueba, the Mexican-Americans started the tradition when the Chicano Civil Rights Movement led the rebellion to end racism, segregation, land theft, and human right violations to Latinos in the US.

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mexican-Americans dress in typical Mexican attire as part of festivities with mariachi music, traditional food and drinks. Piñatas, hats and serapes are used as party accessories to make the celebration more joyous.

The Traditions

Cinco de Mayo Mexican Clothing
by Laura Carreto Tirado

Mexicans celebrate important dates or holidays with folk dances to emphasize local culture. Each of the regions in Mexico and also regions in the Southwest of the United States are known for their home-grown folk dances. They are characterized by a basic set of steps called zapateado which involve percussive heel-stomping. Costumed dancers perform elaborate dance routines in pair or as teams to the jubilant sounds of the Mariachi.

The Cinco de Mayo costumes worn by men at folk dances in celebrations include black trousers, accented with a red tie and belt and a black wide-brimmed hat. For women costumes include brightly colored ruffled skirts trimmed with ribbons, shoes with heavy clog-like heels and ornate hair pieces.

Something important to complement the costumes for celebrating Cinco de Mayo is the use of accessories and elaborate garments such as ribbons, necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Traditional Mexican clothing is very attractive and appealing and is an integral part of our culture. Mexican-Americans consider Mexican traditions the mirror of their culture and that is why Mexicans and Mexican-Americans alike are proud of it.