Puebla, the city associated with Cinco de Mayo, is located in Mexico’s Puebla state.
The city of Puebla is the capital of the state, which officially shares its name. It lies in central Mexico, southeast of Mexico City, in a highland region surrounded by major volcanic peaks. The state’s location made the city an important route toward Mexico City during the 19th century.
The Battle of Puebla was fought near the city on May 5, 1862, when Mexican forces defeated a larger French army advancing inland. That victory gave the city an enduring place in Mexican history and later became the basis for Cinco de Mayo commemorations.
A common mix-up is treating Puebla as only a city or only a state. Both names are used: Puebla refers to the state and its capital city. The city is also known for Talavera pottery, colonial architecture, and regional cuisine.