Cinco de Mayo doesn’t mark Mexican Independence, as many believe.

Instead, it’s meant to celebrate the Battle of Puebla, which was fought between the Mexican and French armies in 1862.

• After Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, other nations did not want to recognize its autonomy.
• After a civil war in the late 1850s, Benito Juárez became Mexico's first indigenous president in 1861.
• Juárez canceled repayments on foreign loans to protect Mexico's struggling economy.
• It angered Britain, Spain, and France, and they jointly sent a force to Mexico but withdrew when it became evident that Napoleon III had plans to overthrow the new Mexican government.
• On May 5, 1862, the Battle of Puebla took place. Although the Mexican Army was outnumbered two to one, they repelled attacks by the French army on the city of Puebla.
• Four days later, on May 9, 1862, Juárez declared Cinco de Mayo a national holiday.
• Even though the French eventually defeated the Mexican Army, the battle of Puebla proved that Mexico was a formidable opponent worthy of international respect.