The Question: Cinco de Mayo commemorates what event in Mexico’s history?
A The end of the Mexican-American War
B Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla
C Mexico’s independence from Spain
Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The Mexican army prevailed despite being heavily outmanned. France later won a second battle for Puebla and occupied Mexico City.
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. That holiday, celebrated on September 16, is a much more important holiday in Mexico and marks the beginning of its war of independence from Spain in 1810.
The correct answer is Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla.