Video: 'THE BATTLE OF PUEBLA 1862 | The battle behind Cinco De Mayo'

(Monday, May 5, 1862, 11:45 a.m. local time; during the Battle of Puebla, part of the Second French intervention in Mexico) — Mexican troops loyal to Benito Juarez, outnumbered 3-1, defeated invading French forces of Napoleon III today near Puebla City.

Led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, the victory of a smaller, poorly equipped Mexican force against the larger and better-armed French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans.

Zaragoza died months after the battle from an illness, and a larger French force ultimately defeated the Mexican army at the Second Battle of Puebla and occupied Mexico City. But the Mexican victory on May 5, 1862, is celebrated yearly through a festival on the same date as the battle.

It is primarily celebrated in the Mexican state of Puebla, where the holiday is celebrated as El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (English: The Day of the Battle of Puebla). There is some limited recognition of the holiday in other parts of the country.

In the United States, this holiday has evolved into the very popular Cinco de Mayo holiday, a celebration of Mexican heritage.