In pictures: Mexicans re-enact the historic Battle of Puebla

Artists take part in the re-enactment of the Battle of Puebla - Mexico's victory over France in 1862 - during the anniversary celebration at the Penon de los Banos neighbourhood in Mexico City. Although in 1863 France finally took the Mexican capital and installed a five-year regime led by Emperor Maximilian, the Battle of Puebla's importance lies in that it strengthened the Mexican spirit after it prevented Napoleon III from conquering the country in a first attempt. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

Updated on: May 06, 2017 4:21 PM IST

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Artists take part in the re-enactment of the Battle of Puebla - Mexico's victory over France in 1862 - during the anniversary celebration at the Penon de los Banos neighbourhood in Mexico City. Although in 1863 France finally took the Mexican capital and installed a five-year regime led by Emperor Maximilian, the Battle of Puebla's importance lies in that it strengthened the Mexican spirit after it prevented Napoleon III from conquering the country in a first attempt. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

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President Donald Trump is sending warm wishes to everyone celebrating Cinco de Mayo. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

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The holiday commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla that pitted Mexican Indian soldiers against French forces. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

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Trump says that 19th century battle is a reminder of the “incredible courage and resolve” of the Mexican people as they defended their country and freedoms. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

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He says it remains an important symbol of Mexican bravery and tenacity. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

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Some Mexican Americans and immigrants, though, are feeling uneasy about Trump’s immigration policies and rhetoric. (Pedro Pardo/AFP)

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A resident re-enactor portraying the Zacapoaxtlas, performs a fight scene. He has vowed to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to deter illegal immigration and launched his presidential campaign by attacking the character of Mexican immigrants. (Carlos Jasso/REUTERS)

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A resident re-enactor portraying a French soldier (L) and a Zacapoaxtlas Indian (3R) sits with other resident during a re-enactment of the 1862 battle between Zacapoaxtlas Indians and the French army. (Carlos Jasso/REUTERS)

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Trump marked Cinco de Mayo last year by tweeting “I love Hispanics!” with a photo of himself eating a taco bowl. (Carlos Jasso/REUTERS)

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Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican culture in the United States with parades, food, music and folk dancing. (Carlos Jasso/REUTERS)

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Cinco de Mayo started trending in 1940s America during the rise of the Chicano Movement. (Eduardo Verdugo/AP)

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The holiday did not gain popularity until 1980s, it gained momentum after, especially in cities with large Mexican-American populations, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and San Jose. (Carlos Jasso/REUTERS)

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After the war, Mexico was hit financially which forced Mexican president Benito Juárez to willingly default on loans from France, Spain and Great Britain. (Carlos Jasso/REUTERS)

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A father carries his son, both dressed as French soldiers, parade before the re-enactment of The Battle of Puebla. During the re-enactment Mexican-Americans display Cinco de Mayo banners while ethnic school districts hold special events to educate students about its historical significance. (Eduardo Verdugo/AP)

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Since the Battle of Puebla, no country in the Americas has been invaded by a European military force. (Carlos Jasso/REUTERS)