Cinco de Mayo, meaning "Fifth of May" in Spanish, is an annual celebration held on May 5 to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This battle was fought against the Second French Empire led by Napoleon III, where a smaller and less equipped Mexican force, commanded by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated a much larger French army

. The significance of Cinco de Mayo lies in its symbolism of Mexican resilience and resistance against foreign invasion. Although the French eventually occupied Mexico City and the war continued for several more years, the Battle of Puebla became a powerful emblem of Mexican national pride and unity

. In Mexico, especially in the city of Puebla where the battle took place, the day is marked with military parades, reenactments, and festive gatherings. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican-American culture, featuring parades, music, folkloric dancing, food, and community events. It is often associated with popular Mexican foods and drinks like tacos and margaritas, although the holiday's historical meaning goes beyond these festivities

. Cinco de Mayo is distinct from Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16 and commemorates Mexico's independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo specifically honors the 1862 victory at Puebla, not Mexico's independence

. In summary, Cinco de Mayo is a day that honors a key Mexican military victory and has become a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, particularly in the United States and the Mexican state of Puebla