Happy Cinco de Mayo

(CNN)– Today is Cinco de Mayo or ‘May 5’  which commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

The Mexican army won despite being smaller and ill-equipped.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is observed with political speeches and battle re-enactments.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the day became identified with the Chicano Rights Movement in the U.S. especially in California.

The day has evolved into one to celebrate Hispanic heritage.