In 1861, after Mexico declared a temporary moratorium on the payment of foreign debts, English, Spanish and French forces invaded the country.  By April 1862, English and Spanish forces withdrew and on May 5, 1862, a band of poorly equipped soldiers defeated French troops lead by Napolean III at the Battle of Puebla.  The victory over the French came to symbolize Mexican resistance of foreign domination and is now celebrated in Mexico and the United States as Cinco de Mayo.¹  The celebration has come to more broadly represent Mexican pride and heritage.

1. "Cinco de Mayo." Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. 5 May 2008 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9389223>