Cinco de Mayo was reportedly first celebrated in the mining town of Columbia, California in 1862. Upon receiving news of the Mexican victory at Puebla, Mexican miners were overjoyed at the news. They celebrated by firing fireworks, singing patriotic songs, and by making impromptu speeches. The significance of this battle lies in the manner it was won. A smaller force of 2,000 poorly equipped Mexican troops defeated a much large French battalion numbering 6,000 well-trained soldiers. Although this victory did not impede the eventual overthrow of the Mexican government by the French, Cinco de Mayo became a symbol of Mexican resistance. The French occupation lasted 3 years from 1864-1867, with the Mexicans recapturing Mexico City in 1867. Cinco
