In pictures: Mexico's Cinco de Mayo celebrations

A man wearing a mask and costume is carrying a child at the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico City

Mexicans have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Actors and residents dressed up as members of the French army and Mexican forces recreate the Battle of Puebla in Mexico City

French forces had invaded Mexico after President Benito Juarez suspended interest payments to foreign countries in 1861.

Residents of the Penon de los Banos neighbourhood in Mexico City recreate the Battle of Puebla

While the Mexicans unexpectedly won at Puebla, France continued to occupy Mexico for another five years. But the victory against the better-trained and better-armed French is still seen as a great source of pride in Mexico.

A firecracker goes off at a recreation of the battle of Puebla in Mexico City

Actors and residents recreate the famous battle every year to remind Mexicans of "their stand against tyranny", letting off firecrackers to mimic the shots from muskets.

A girl dances at a Cinco de Mayo march in Denver, Colorado

Cinco de Mayo is also celebrated by Mexicans living in the US, who put on marches and concerts across the country.

A lucha libre wrestler leaps through the air at the Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the Mayan Theatre hosted a special Cinco de Mayo celebration including lucha libre freestyle wrestlers in their distinctive costumes and masks.

A performer wears a headdress with a skull at the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Los Angeles

Performers from the Lucha VaVOOM group, which combines Mexican wrestling with comedy and striptease, wore elaborate costumes at the event in Los Angeles.

Mariachis arrive at the New York Sock Exchange on 3 May 2013

Even New York's stock exchange marked the event with a performance by a Mariachi band.

A Chihuahua with a garland of flowers at the annual Chihuahua race in Washington DC

And in Washington DC, ornately dressed Chihuahua dogs took part in the annual Chihuahua race.