It all started with one lawyer, a member of an Indigenous tribe who was elected president of Mexico. Since the economy was battered because of infighting, the new president had to default on debt payments to Europeans which did not go over well.

France, Britain and Spain sent forces to Veracruz, Mexico, demanding to be repaid, and Britain and Spain worked it out with Mexico and withdrew.

But France decided to cut some land from Mexico for themselves, then stormed Veracruz, leading the new Mexican President and his government to retreat. France, under Napoleon underestimated the Mexicans, so when they tried to attack, they were met with a ragtag team of loyal men to the Mexican president. Many were Indigenous Mexicans or of mixed ancestry, who didn’t seem to have a chance. But, France retreated, and Mexico took back its land. France lost almost 500 soldiers, and less than 100 Mexicans were killed.

It was a great symbolic victory for the Mexican government and revived the resistance movement. But why celebrate in the U.S.? The celebration of Mexican culture and heritage became popular back in the 1960s. We see parties and parades, hear mariachi music, and join in Mexican folk dancing and indulge in traditional foods too. Some of the biggest turnouts are in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston.