The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862, in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The battle was fought between the Mexican army and the French army, which was attempting to invade Mexico. The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French army, which was led by General Charles de Lorencez, despite the fact that they were outnumbered and outgunned and the victory is celebrated in Mexico as Cinco de Mayo.