What is the Spanish name for the 1862 Battle of Puebla commemorated by Cinco de Mayo?

The Spanish name for the 1862 Battle of Puebla commemorated by Cinco de Mayo is Batalla de Puebla.

The battle took place on May 5, 1862, near Puebla during France’s intervention in Mexico. Mexican forces under General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated a larger French army led by Charles de Lorencez. The victory became an important symbol of Mexican resistance, although French forces later returned and captured Puebla in 1863.

In Mexico, the holiday is often called the Día de la Batalla de Puebla, or “Day of the Battle of Puebla.” Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day; that national holiday is observed on September 16 and commemorates the beginning of the independence movement against Spain.

The holiday gained particular importance in the United States during the 20th century, especially among Mexican-American communities. Its U.S. celebrations often emphasize Mexican heritage, music, food, and cultural identity, while Puebla’s observances focus more directly on the historical battle.