- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- DrinkingFestivitiesMexican
- Where:
- Mexico
- Date change rule:
- Every March 5
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍻
Cinco de Marcho kicks off the festive season every March 5, offering a lighthearted warm-up before St. Patrick’s Day. This unofficial holiday encourages safe and moderate drinking, preparing your liver for the upcoming celebrations. Gather your friends, enjoy some drinks responsibly, and ease into the spirit of the season.
Want to sponsor Cinco de Marcho? Learn how
History of Cinco de Marcho
Cinco de Marcho is a made-up holiday with lighthearted origins. It is the invention of a man who goes by the name ‘Carlos Fantastico,’ whose true identity remains a mystery. Some believe his name is a riff on ‘Caro Fantastico,’ a Spanish variant for the 1980s television classic, “Knight Rider.”
In 2007, while dining at the Mexican restaurant, The Matador, Fantastico was enjoying his margarita and happened to notice the date. It was March 5. A thought came to him. He was at a Mexican restaurant enjoying a Mexican drink, but the decor around him was green and St. Patrick’s Day was less than a fortnight away. He imagined a holiday that would celebrate the best of both cultures, and thus, the idea for Cinco de Marcho was born; a holiday with a Mexican name, celebrating the drunken jubilance associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Marcho isn’t about excessive drinking. Fantastico believes that it is a celebration of finding your limits. He views Cinco de Marcho as training of sorts for light drinkers. Those with low alcohol tolerance can start building their alcohol tolerance from Cinco de Marcho to buff up their liver for the upcoming holiday parties. Many celebrators also treat the day as a general preparation period for the coming holiday.
Fantastico has always been fascinated by how Americans give a twist to every celebration. This is his way of doing the same.
Cinco de Marcho timeline
Bartender Jerry Thomas makes the first cocktail.
Bartender Jerry Thomas makes the first cocktail.
The popularity of cocktails takes a hit following the prohibition.
Bartenders are free to experiment with cocktail recipes.
Cinco de Marcho FAQs
When is Cinco de Marcho?
In 2027, Cinco de Marcho will be observed on a Friday, March 5. It’s the perfect way to kick off a festive weekend, preparing for upcoming celebrations.
How many people celebrate Cinco de Marcho?
While not a widely recognized public holiday, Cinco de Marcho is increasingly embraced by social drinkers and party enthusiasts. Its popularity grows organically through word-of-mouth and social media as a unique pre-celebration.
What is the origin of Cinco de Marcho?
The holiday emerged as a lighthearted cultural phenomenon, not rooted in historical events or official decrees. Its purpose is purely recreational, offering an excuse for early March festivities and responsible revelry.
Is Cinco de Marcho related to Cinco de Mayo?
While the name is a clear nod to Cinco de Mayo, Cinco de Marcho is an entirely distinct, modern creation focused on a pre-St. Patrick’s Day warm-up. It shares no historical significance with the Mexican holiday.
Cinco de Marcho Activities
Treat yourself to margaritas
Celebrate the day by drinking a green margarita or two. Start preparing yourself for St. Patrick's Day.
Visit a bar
If you really want to celebrate Cinco de Marcho in style, we recommend visiting a bar. Many bars serve special cocktails to mark the day.
Celebrate with friends
If you are a teetotaler or don’t like drinking, fret not. Treat yourself to some delicious mocktails, and hang out with your friends.
5 Facts About Margaritas That Will Blow Your Mind
The drink’s origins are unknown
Some believe that Margarita Sames, an American socialite, created the drink for her friends in 1948.
Margarita means ‘daisy’ in Spanish
The ‘daisy’ is an old prohibition drink that has a base spirit, sugar, and a sour.
Salt is crucial to the drink
The salt brings out the sweet and sour flavors of the drink.
They are incredibly popular
In fact, it was the most ordered mixed drink of 2008.
It is served in a special glass
The margarita glass is a variant of a champagne coupe.
Why We Love Cinco de Marcho
A day to enjoy cocktails
Cinco de Marcho is the perfect day to enjoy delicious cocktails. Sip the classics or try something new.
A day to spend with friends
This is also the perfect day to spend with friends and get everyone excited for St. Patrick’s Day. Cinco de Marcho becomes more fun in the company of friends.
It prepares us for St. Patrick’s Day
Drinking too much on St. Patrick’s Day can be a rude surprise. Cinco de Marcho prepares you (and your liver) for the upcoming festivities.
