Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a special day for people of Mexican origin around the world. It marks the anniversary of a Mexican military victory over France. A national holiday in Mexico, it has become a day to celebrate Hispanic history and culture. Parades, festivals, and other special events are held each year on this day.
The story behind the holiday begins in 1861. That year the Mexican government could not pay its debts to the countries of France, Britain, and Spain. All of these countries sent ships to Mexico to collect the money owed, but the Mexican president Benito Juarez made deals with the leaders of Britain and Spain to stop them from attacking. The leader of France, Napoleon III, on the other hand, saw a chance to take lands in Mexico.
France first invaded Veracruz, driving the Mexican government out of the city. Later French troops-more than 6,000 men-moved out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles in 1862. President Juarez could only muster up 2,000 people to defend Puebla. Under the leadership of General Zaragoza, the Mexican forces prepared for the French siege. Although they were outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexicans battled the French from dawn to dusk and emerged victorious. In the end, the French retreated. And the date of that battle, May 5, has since become a symbol of Mexican independence.