Battle of Puebla

It happened over 150 years years, but the triumphant victory over the French on May 5, 1862, continues to be celebrated each year for its deep symbolic value. The significant event transpired on the road to Mexico City in the small town of Puebla, approximately 85 miles east of the nation’s capital.

Although Mexico had been invaded in 1861 by Spain, France and Great Britain, the Spanish and British withdrew within 6 months of the initial assault. France, on a mission to collect on a previous debt from the Mexican government, maintained its attack and forged through several states from Veracruz on route to Mexico City.

Upon their arrival in Puebla, the French army collided with their impassioned counterparts and a great battle ensued at the Fort of Guadalupe. The massive, well-trained, French army equipped with heavy artillery, outnumbered their shoddily assembled group of Mexican adversaries by more than 2 times. Yet, by sundown, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza, the dubious Mexican rebellion achieved a monumental, David versus Goliath victory. The French had lost more than 500 men that day and were forced to retreat.

Unfortunately, the unanticipated triumph did not endure. One month later, the French recruited more soldiers and surged forth to eventually overtake the Mexican government. However, the Battle of Puebla inspired an unwavering Mexican pride and unity which bolstered the resistance movement. A few short years later, at the end of the U.S. Civil War, with the aid of their neighbors to the north, Mexico reclaimed their rightful possession and re-established a Mexican Presidency.

To this day, celebrations involving parades, fireworks and folkloric dancing take place across Mexico and the United States. These important festivities are organized each May 5th to commemorate the historic triumph which occurred against all odds.

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