What is the history behind celebrating Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The battle occurred during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867), when the French, under the leadership of Napoleon III, sought to establish a French empire in Mexico. Despite being outnumbered and poorly equipped, the Mexican troops, commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza, managed to defeat the more professional French soldiers. Figure 1 : Cinco de Mayo Décor While often mistaken for Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16, Cinco de Mayo Décor has its own distinct significance. It symbolizes Mexican resistance to foreign domination and the country's determination to maintain its sovereignty. The victory at Puebla became a source of pride and inspiration for the Mexican government and people, helping to foster a united resistance against the Fr...