Acknowledging holidays and celebrations in May

In May, we acknowledge Cinco de Mayo, Vesak and Trinity Sunday. Read more about each holiday/celebration below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862, victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. The day, which falls on Sunday, May 5, 2024, is also known as Battle of Puebla Day. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in other countries, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with substantial Mexican-American populations. On Cinco de Mayo, revellers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Some of the largest festivals are held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.

May 23: Vesak

Vesak, or the Day of the Full Moon in May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. Two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., the Buddha was born on the Day of Vesak. On the Day of Vesak, the Buddha attained enlightenment and passed away in his eightieth year.

The exact date of the Day of Vesak is based on Asian lunisolar calendars and is primarily celebrated in Vaisakha, a month of both the Buddhist and Hindu calendars. Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world, and millions of people around the world follow the teachings of Buddha. On Vesak, followers assemble in their temples before dawn for the ceremonial hoisting of the Buddhist flag. Followers will also sing hymns in praise of the holy triple gem: the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (his disciples).

May 26: Trinity Sunday

This year’s Trinity Sunday falls on May 26. Trinity Sunday is a Christian festival widely celebrated by Western Churches. It falls on the first Sunday after Pentecost, which is the 50th day after Easter. Trinity Sunday, in its essence, celebrates the mystery of faith and unity on and of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is not mentioned in Scripture, but Christians belonging to Western Churches celebrate it and God’s love for humans because of their faith and utmost appreciation for the Trinity itself. Many Western Churches celebrate the occasion with symbols of fire, wind, and a dove.