© 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

The battle happened on May 5, 1862 in Puebla, Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is a special day that commemorates an important battle between Mexico and France. The battle happened on May 5, 1862 in Puebla, Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French at The Battle of Puebla during the French Intervention. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

In 1861, Benito Juárez became the first indigenous president of Mexico. At the time, Mexico was in financial ruin and owed debts to France, Spain and Britain. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

Juárez was forced to stop payments to these countries and in response they sent naval forces to Mexico to demand repayment. Spain and Britain signed deals with Mexico and withdrew, but France, led by Napoleon III, did not. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

In late 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz, Mexico and sent President Juárez and his government into retreat. In early 1862, France sent 6,000 troops to attack the town of Puebla, where the Mexican forts of Guadalupe and Loreto were located. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

President Juárez put together a force of 4,500 loyal Mexicans; many of whom were said to be agricultural workers. Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, the poorly supplied Mexicans stationed themselves in Puebla and awaited attack. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

On May 5, 1862 the French troops attacked the city of Puebla, Mexico. The Mexican army was outnumbered by the French and ill-equipped with weapons, but they ultimately won the battle. This glorious victory signified Mexico’s strength and courage and helped to establish a sense of national unity. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate Mexican culture and history and to honor Mexican soldiers. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday, celebrated mostly in Puebla, Mexico. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

They celebrate with parades, food, singing and dancing. They also re-enact the Battle of Puebla and dress in old uniforms and carry old fashioned weapons. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

In the U.S. Mexican Americans celebrate with parades and parties. They wear traditional clothing and eat traditional foods like tacos and tortilla chips. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

Mariachi bands play music wearing the traditional charro (Mexican cowboy) suits and people dance. Often times, children will break open piñatas to celebrate their heritage. © 2013 The Enlightened Elephant

© 2013 The Enlightened Elephant