On behalf of Emperor Maximilian, left, the army of Napolean III seized Mexico City.

The well-trained battalions of Napoleon III’s army landed in Veracruz, Mexico, in December of 1861, and within five months the invaders were marching north--6,500 strong, undefeated and unstoppable--

toward Mexico City.

In Puebla, south of the capital, an outnumbered band of Mexican troops, their ranks bolstered by Indians, dug in to meet the French onslaught. Very likely, many a Mexican soldier offered a prayer to the Virgin Mary because he expected to die valiantly the morning of May 5, 1862.

Many troops on both sides did die. But the Europeans were dumbfounded because they lost the battle. And Cinco de Mayo has been celebrated in Mexico and the Southwest ever since.

Mostly forgotten is the seizure of the capital a month later by reinforced French units, who paved the way for the Emperor Maximilian.

Fondly remembered instead is that glorious, unexpected and heroic day in Puebla.

The 130th anniversary of Mexio’s victory at Puebla will be observed in the San Gabriel Valley with a two-day celebration Saturday and Sunday in Pasadena’s Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St.

More than 1,000 people are expected at the park each day,

sampling carne asada and barbecued chicken, buying Mexican crafts, and swaying to the beat of four bands playing mariachi music, cumbias and Latino rock ‘n’ roll. A children’s entertainment area will feature clowns, face painting and balloons.

Highlights will include performances in the park’s band shell at 7 p.m. Saturday by Tierra, an East Los Angeles band, and a noon Sunday concert by Mariachi Sol de Mexico, a South El Monte group founded by Jose Hernandez.

Sponsored by the City of Pasadena and by El Centro de Accion Social Inc., the Cinco de Mayo celebration helps fund educational and youth programs in El Centro’s social service offices in Pasadena. The event runs from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Meanwhile, across from the park, the Armory Center for the Arts, at 145 N. Raymond Ave., will showcase the work of several nationally recognized Latino artists. “Mexican Traditions in Contemporary Chicano Art” runs Friday through Wednesday. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m., closed Tuesday.

Admission is free for both the park and the gallery.