Underdog victory against French forces
On this day in 1862, the Battle of Puebla saw Mexican forces achieve a surprising victory against the well-equipped French army of Napoleon III.
A largely untrained volunteer militia- made up mostly of Indigenous farmers and labourers- was led by General Ignacio Zaragoza in the defence of Puebla.
A defining moment in Mexican history
Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Mexican troops successfully repelled the French advance, marking a symbolic triumph against foreign intervention.
The Battle of Puebla did not end the wider conflict, but it became a powerful symbol of resistance and national unity.
Legacy of Cinco de Mayo
The victory is now commemorated annually as Cinco de Mayo, particularly in Mexico and the United States, celebrating resilience, identity and cultural pride.
While often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo specifically honours this historic battle and its significance.
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