Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over superior French forces by 5,000 untrained and outnumbered Mestizo and Zapotec Indian guerilla troops under General Zargosa at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Although the French later occupied the town of Puebla and were not defeated and expelled for several more years, the victory at Puebla filled the people of Mexico with enthusiasm for their country, and played a role in the eventual success for the progressive reforms of Benito Juarez. Moreover, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the right of people everywhere to self- determination, and of the ability of indigenous people to withstand an aggressive and expansive culture.

Today Cinco de Mayo is celebrated especially by Mexicans in the United States as a time to honor Hispanic culture. The holiday includes festivals and parades, with singing, mariachi dancing, ethnic foods, and other festivities.