Today's holiday commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza SeguĂn. The outnumbered Mexicans defeated a much better-equipped French army that had known no defeat for almost 50 years. For more info on Cinco de Mayo you can go here. It's a good excuse to enjoy some good Mexican food and to try to fit a siesta into your schedule! Happy Cinco de Mayo!