What does Cinco de Mayo commemorate?

Cinco de Mayo is often mistakenly identified as Mexico’s Independence Day, but it is a distinct holiday that commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862.12

On that day, a smaller and poorly equipped Mexican force, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, successfully repelled a frontal assault by the French army sent by Napoleon III. While the French eventually returned with reinforcements and occupied the city, the victory at Puebla became a powerful symbol of Mexican resistance against foreign aggression and determination to defend national sovereignty.3241

In contrast, Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, marking the anniversary of the Grito de Dolores in 1810, which initiated the movement for independence from Spanish rule.12