Cinco de Mayo marks Mexico’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. It celebrates Mexican pride and culture. Celebrated more widely also in the US, it has evolved into a festive tribute to Mexican culture,

Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. The triumph over the better-equipped and much larger French troops was an enormous emotional boost for Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza.