Let’s be honest: if you’re like me, Cinco de Mayo rolls around every year and triggers three things:

• A sudden, intense craving for tacos.

• An unexplainable urge to drink margaritas like it's a competitive sport.

• A vague awareness that there’s probably some deeper historical meaning...but you’re not entirely sure what it is.

This is a safe space, so I’m just going to say it: I have no idea what Cinco de Mayo is actually about.

And yet — every year without fail — we celebrate it like it’s a national holiday. Tacos. Tequila. Tank tops. Good vibes only.

So, today, I’m embracing that confusion. Let's talk about why Cinco de Mayo has become one of the ultimate "good vibe" days, how it’s the unofficial kickoff to warm weather season, and how we can actually do a better job of understanding and appreciating it.

Cinco de Mayo: The Unofficial Start of Summer Shenanigans

There’s something about Cinco de Mayo that just hits different.

By early May, most of us are DONE with winter. The days are getting longer, the jackets are finally coming off, and suddenly, you’re sitting outside, realizing you haven't seen the sun in like four months.

Enter: Cinco de Mayo.

It’s the perfect excuse to break out:

• Ice-cold margaritas (frozen, on the rocks, jalapeño-infused...dealer's choice).

• Tacos of every variety — birria, carnitas, veggie, fish — you name it.

• Tequila shots that somehow seem like a fantastic idea at 2 PM.

• Loud, colorful celebrations where the only rule is: have a great time.

No holiday hits that "okay, let's live again" moment quite like Cinco de Mayo. It's like we collectively wake up and realize life is too short not to eat guacamole by the fistful.

Why Cinco de Mayo Feels Like a Vibe

1. Tacos Just Make Life Better

If you need an excuse to eat tacos, you're living life wrong.

Cinco de Mayo gives you a guilt-free reason to go completely overboard:

• Breakfast tacos.

• Lunch tacos.

• Dinner tacos.

• Late-night "why did I eat so many tacos" tacos.

Tacos are the MVP of Cinco de Mayo, and quite frankly, they deserve a holiday every month.

2. Margaritas Are Basically Liquid Sunshine

Nothing says "warm weather is here" quite like sipping a margarita outdoors.

It's the kind of drink that demands sunglasses, good company, and at least one questionable decision (like ordering the 64oz version "just to share" but somehow drinking the whole thing yourself).

Bonus points if there’s a round of tequila shots involved — because sometimes, a party just needs a little extra rocket fuel.

3. The Energy Is Unmatched

Cinco de Mayo is pure positivity.

It's impossible to be in a bad mood when the whole vibe is:

• "Should we order more nachos?" (Yes.)

• "Is it too early for tequila shots?" (Never.)

• "Do we need another round of margaritas?" (Always.)

There’s no gift-giving pressure. No "what are we even celebrating?" guilt trips. It's just about fun, food, friends, and feeling alive again after a long winter.

(Just be warned: the Seis de Mayo hangover is real — and it does not show mercy. Stock up on water, electrolytes, and questionable life choices.)

OK, But Seriously... What Is Cinco de Mayo About?

At some point during the festivities, someone (usually while sipping their third margarita) will inevitably ask:

"Wait...what is Cinco de Mayo even celebrating?"

Cue the collective shrug.

So here’s the quick history lesson we all deserve:

• Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day.

• It commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

• In that battle, a vastly outnumbered Mexican army defeated a French force trying to establish French rule over Mexico.

• It was a symbolic victory for Mexico during a tough time (they were pretty outmatched militarily).

In Mexico, it's a relatively minor holiday mostly celebrated in Puebla. In the U.S., though, Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger, more general celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, and pride.

Our Cinco de Mayo Manifesto: Tacos, Tequila, and Tank Tops (With Purpose)

So yes, while we’re here to party, it’s also worth taking a moment to respect the roots of the day.

Because let's be real — the fact that a smaller, scrappier force stood up to a big imperial power and won?

That's absolutely worth toasting with a margarita (or a tequila shot, depending on how the night’s going).

Here's our official Cinco de Mayo plan:

• Support local Mexican restaurants (you know they’re serving fire food).

• Drink responsibly (or at least pretend to).

• Maybe, just maybe, actually know why you’re celebrating.

• And celebrate with style.

If you want to celebrate the right way, gear up with Riley Ink designs. We’ve got the funniest, most festive Cinco de Mayo shirts and tank tops — perfect for a day filled with tacos, tequila, and good vibes. Whether you're rocking a pun-filled tee or a tequila-themed tank, we've got you covered.

Shop Funny Cinco de Mayo Shirts and Tanks

Ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style? Browse our collection of hilarious, bold, and vibe-perfect shirts and tanks to make this Cinco your best one yet.

Body by Tacos? Absolutely.

Final Cheers

In the end, Cinco de Mayo is about more than just tacos, tequila, and tank tops.

It's about celebrating resilience, community, and good vibes — all things we can get behind. It can't hurt to add Funny T-Shirts onto that list...

And if you can do it while wearing a shirt that says "Tequila Mockingbird," even better.

Happy Cinco de Mayo, amigos. Stay funny, stay festive, and stay taco-fueled.