Mexico defeated France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, the victory commemorated by Cinco de Mayo.
The battle occurred during the French intervention in Mexico. French forces were advancing from the port of Veracruz toward Mexico City after France objected to Mexico’s suspension of foreign-debt payments. The Mexican army, commanded by Ignacio Zaragoza, resisted the advance near Puebla.
The victory did not end the intervention. France later sent a larger army, captured Puebla in 1863, and occupied Mexico City. Even so, the 1862 result became a powerful symbol of Mexican resistance.
Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. The two holidays commemorate entirely different events.