Will banks be open on Cinco de Mayo? We’ll tell you

Many businesses in the United States are preparing to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. What will happen to institutions?

May 2, 2025 - 03:16

Will banks be open on Cinco de Mayo? We’ll tell you

Will banks and post offices be open on Good Friday? We'll tell you — Photo: Bank of America

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and many businesses and families across the United States are getting ready to celebrate this date, which has become one of the most recognized in the country. This has raised questions about whether banks and institutions like the Postal Service will operate normally or be closed on this day. Here’s the answer.

Is Cinco de Mayo an official holiday in the United States?

No. Although Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated across the country, it is not considered an official federal holiday in the United States.

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Will banks be open on Cinco de Mayo?

Yes. Since it is not a federal holiday, all banks will be open and operating as usual on Monday, Cinco de Mayo.

Will there be mail service on Cinco de Mayo?

Just like banks and public institutions, the United States Postal Service will operate normally on Cinco de Mayo, so you can expect to receive mail and schedule deliveries as on any regular day.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated as a holiday, but rather remembered as a historic event: the Mexican army’s victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla. Despite being outnumbered, Mexican troops led by Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French army in the town of Puebla de Los Ángeles during the French intervention. The French retreat marked a significant triumph for Mexico, symbolizing the country’s determination to defend its sovereignty against a foreign power.

Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States?

The first Cinco de Mayo celebration in the U.S. took place in 1863, organized by Mexican residents in California who wished to commemorate the historic victory. At the time, Americans were concerned about French support for the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Over time, the date gained popularity, partly fueled by marketing campaigns from U.S. beer companies promoting beer consumption among Hispanic communities. Today, Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the U.S. with traditional Mexican dishes like guacamole, tacos, and enchiladas—accompanied, of course, by beer.

How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States?

Many people in the United States celebrate this holiday by attending parades featuring mariachis, dancers in traditional Mexican attire, and floats decorated in the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican flag. Events such as lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) matches are also commonly held.

Mexican cuisine plays a central role in these celebrations. Popular dishes such as guacamole, tacos, churros, and mole poblano—a traditional recipe from Puebla made with mole sauce, dark chocolate, and pumpkin seeds—are widely enjoyed during the festivities.

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