In pictures: Mexico's Cinco de Mayo celebrations
- Published
Mexicans have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
French forces had invaded Mexico after President Benito Juarez suspended interest payments to foreign countries in 1861.
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.
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.
Cinco de Mayo is also celebrated by Mexicans living in the US, who put on marches and concerts across the country.
In Los Angeles, the Mayan Theatre hosted a special Cinco de Mayo celebration including lucha libre freestyle wrestlers in their distinctive costumes and masks.
Performers from the Lucha VaVOOM group, which combines Mexican wrestling with comedy and striptease, wore elaborate costumes at the event in Los Angeles.
Even New York's stock exchange marked the event with a performance by a Mariachi band.
And in Washington DC, ornately dressed Chihuahua dogs took part in the annual Chihuahua race.