If you arrive in Panama on May 5 expecting sombreros, mariachi bands and an enormous national fiesta, you might be surprised. Cinco de Mayo is not a major Panamanian holiday, and for most people in Panama, May 5 is simply another day.

But the date is still interesting, because it highlights one of the fun things about travelling through Panama: you can encounter celebrations and cultural traditions from all over Latin America, even when they are not actually part of the country's own national calendar.

So what exactly is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo means simply May 5, but its historical significance comes from Mexico.

The date commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when Mexican forces defeated a much larger French army near the city of Puebla. It was an important symbolic victory during a period when France was attempting to establish control in Mexico.

Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo is often much bigger outside Mexico than inside Mexico.

In the United States, the day has developed into a huge celebration of Mexican culture, with Mexican food, music, dancing and plenty of margaritas. In Mexico itself, however, it is not equivalent to Mexican Independence Day and is generally a much more localized celebration, particularly around Puebla.

What happens in Panama on May 5?

For the average traveller, not much specifically because it is Cinco de Mayo.

Panama has its own enormous collection of national holidays, religious celebrations, festivals and regional traditions, and Cinco de Mayo doesn't rank among the country's major public holidays.

You won't suddenly find the entire country shutting down on May 5.

That said, Panama City has a large and diverse international population, and Mexican restaurants, bars and international communities may use the date as an excuse for a themed evening.

And let's be honest: you don't necessarily need a historical reason to eat tacos and drink something cold in Panama.

Panama and Mexico have plenty in common

Even though Cinco de Mayo isn't a Panamanian holiday, travellers sometimes notice similarities between the two countries.

Both have strong Spanish colonial histories, tropical landscapes, Indigenous cultures, Caribbean influences and wonderfully complicated food traditions.

But don't make the mistake of assuming that all Latin American countries celebrate the same holidays.

Latin America is enormous, and every country has its own history. Panama's cultural calendar is particularly influenced by its Indigenous, Spanish, African, Caribbean and immigrant communities.

So while Mexican culture is certainly present in Panama, it sits alongside a distinctly Panamanian identity.

If you're a backpacker in Panama...

Cinco de Mayo can actually be a fun excuse to look for something different rather than expecting a nationwide festival.

Check the local bars, Mexican restaurants and hostel social scenes around May 5. In Panama City especially, you may find themed parties or Mexican food specials.

And if you're travelling through the interior, don't be disappointed if nobody seems to know what you're talking about.

You haven't missed the party.

There probably just isn't one. 😂

Panama has plenty of celebrations of its own.

From the massive carnival celebrations to Independence Day festivities, local patron saint festivals, traditional dances and regional fiestas, there are far more authentically Panamanian occasions to experience.

Cinco de Mayo is a good travel lesson

One of the best things about travelling through Central America is learning that "Latin America" isn't one giant culture.

Mexicans aren't Panamanians. Panamanians aren't Costa Ricans. Costa Ricans aren't Colombians.

There are shared languages, foods, histories and influences, but each country has its own personality.

So if you're backpacking through Panama and happen to find a Cinco de Mayo party, enjoy it.

Eat the tacos.

Order another drink.

Make some Mexican friends.

But when you're finished, go back outside and experience Panama.

Because Panama has more than enough fascinating traditions, strange little festivals, incredible food, jungle adventures and ridiculously good excuses to stay out late without borrowing somebody else's holiday. 🇵🇦🌴