Remember the French next time you are walking through a Cinco de Mayo festival, amongst Mariachi bands, munching on some Pan Dulce or Sopes, watching folk dances twirl around in their colorful, wide skirts. Remember how the French army was beat down by a small group of Mexicans that is!!

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the date in 1862 when a small Mexican militia won a battle against the French, symbolizing the courage and strength of the Mexican people. Mexico, after having gained independence in 1821, endured a difficult period fraught with war (Mexican-American War of 1846-1848 and Mexican Civil War of 1858) that bankrupted the nation. After the Mexican-American war, Mexico settled its debt with the United States, but in 1861 there were still several countries Mexico owed money to. Given the amount of devastation in Mexico, President Benito Juarez issued a moratorium on July 17th, 1861 stating Mexico would be suspending all foreign debt payments for two years. This didn't go over well with the English, Spanish, and French all of whom summarily decided to invade Mexico under the pretence of collecting debts. After landing in Mexico, the Spanish and English quickly negotiated and withdrew, but France had ulterior motives in invading the land and refused to settle the debt.

The French were interested in creating an Empire in Mexico under Napolean III. Spain and England were not in support of France's expansion in to Mexico so they left the French to their own devices. The French Army, having not been defeated in 50 years, was confident in their ability to take Mexico, so much so that they brought Archduke Maximilian of Austria with them to rule the empire they intended to create. Many feel that Napoleon III was motivated to make such a move by his dislike for the United States and fear that the U.S. could become to powerful if left unchecked.

First invading at the gulf coast port of Veracruz, the French marched towards Mexico City. The invading army encountered resistance at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe near Puebla when a small, poorly equipped Mexican militia, lead by General Ignacio Zaragoza, put up a fight. On May 5th, 1862, the Mexican group of 4,500 was able to defeat the French army of 6,500 and temporarily halt the French invasion. The battle, known as "Batalla de Puebla", was a great victory for the Mexican people, even if a short lived one. A year later Napoleon III sent 30,000 troops to take over Mexico and succeeded in his invasion and in appointing Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico. Maximilian only survived three years in his throne before he was shot to death by Mexicans after they received military support from the United States aimed at expelling the French.

The "Batalla de Puebla" became legendary and was celebrated to honor the bravery and strength of the tiny militia who defended Mexico from the French. The holiday became known as simply Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) in the United States. Interestingly, the day is celebrated with more vigor in the United States than in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo continues to be a big day in Puebla but receives limited recognition throughout the rest of Mexico, as it is more of regional holiday than a federal one. Many people outside of Mexico often mistake the Cinco de Mayo holiday as the Mexican Independence Day. Mexican Independence was gained September 16, 1810 (about 50 years before the battle in Puebla). The Independence holiday is celebrated widely and with more gusto than Cinco de Mayo in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo in the United States today has become a celebration of Mexican and Chicano culture more than a remembrance of a battle won. It is a very festive event with Mexican themed parades, music, dancing, food, and folklore. Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. has become a very commercial holiday, with festivities in many cities planned as multiple day events surrounding the 5th of May. The celebration is a way to recognize Americans of Mexican ancestry and a vehicle by which the growing population of proud Mexicans in the U.S. can showcase their heritage and culture.

People of all backgrounds in the U.S. celebrate Cinco de Mayo and join in the festivities. Large celebrations are usually held in areas with high concentrations of Mexican immigrants. The festivities typically center around traditional Mexican music, food, and dance with participants dressed in traditional Mexican attire. Cinco de Mayo is a fun and very popular celebration in the United States but is not an officially recognized holiday.