What title does the city of Puebla officially use in honor of the 1862 victory?

The city of Puebla officially uses the title Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza, or “Heroic Puebla of Zaragoza,” honoring the 1862 victory.

The title recognizes the city’s association with the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces defeated the invading French army on May 5, 1862. The name also honors Ignacio Zaragoza, the Mexican general who commanded the defending army.

Puebla is commonly called Puebla in everyday English and Spanish, so the longer official form can be missed. It is also sometimes called Puebla de Zaragoza, a shorter version that preserves the commander’s surname.

The title should not be confused with Mexico’s national names or with the name of a separate historical figure. Zaragoza became strongly linked with the battle because his leadership made the Puebla victory one of the most celebrated episodes of the French intervention.