Most people think that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican Independence Day, but no! Mexico declared its independence from Mother Spain at midnight, the 15th of September, 1810 (and finally achieved its independence from Spanish rule in 1821.)

Cinco de Mayo is actually a commemoration of the victory by Mexican troops in “La Batalla de Puebla” more than fifty years later on May 5, 1862.

The history behind the Battle of Puebla is a bit long and complicated. It involves Emperor Napoleon III, a Hapsburg prince, lots of money and loads of power issues. It was a battle between Europe’s finest army and the proud indigenous peoples of Mexico living under the rule of democratic President Benito Juarez.

In a nutshell – The French Army had not been defeated in 50 years and invaded Mexico without fear of repercussions from the United States which was deeply embroiled in its own Civil War. The severely outnumbered and under-equipped Mexican troops, led by General Ignacio Zaragosa, went into battle destined for slaughter.  La Batalla de Puebla was a brutal one, yet despite all odds the humble Mexican Army forced the French into retreat, amazingly defeating the most powerful fighting unit in the world!