Mexican Independence Day commemorates the day when a priest, Father Miguel Hidalgo, led the Native Mexican people in a fight against the Spanish rulers. In celebrating Cinco de Mayo, people of Mexican heritage remember the 1862 Battle of Puebla, in which the French attacked Mexico and were defeated by the Mexican soldiers. Included is the history of both holidays, how they are celebrated in the United States, as well as descriptions of traditional food, dances, and dress.