Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration of Mexican Victory

Background

On the morning of May 5, 1862, General Ignacio Zaragoza's army of 6,000 Mexican soldiers bravely defended the city of Puebla against an invading force of 6,000 French troops. Despite being outnumbered, the Mexican army fought valiantly and ultimately won a decisive victory, driving the French out of Puebla.

The Battle of Puebla

The Battle of Puebla was a pivotal moment in Mexican history. It marked the first major victory against a foreign power by the newly independent Mexican nation. The battle was a symbol of Mexican national pride and resistance, and it helped to galvanize the Mexican people during the French intervention.

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico and the United States as a commemoration of the victory at Puebla. The holiday is celebrated with parades, festivals, traditional foods, and mariachi music. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has also become a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage.