What's up with the unusual uniforms of some of the French soldiers in this Franco-Mexican War mural?

by fosterbanana

See [this mural] (https://imgur.com/a/CEwZg) from Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City.

What's up with the four French soldiers to the left of the artillery, who appear to be wearing flowing pants and smaller hats (fezzes?)? If they're colonial troops, what would be the nationality of these soldiers?

I'm also curious about the seemingly dark-skinned soldier in the top left. Again, what would be the nationality of this soldier?

SafeReturnDoubtful

That is a style of uniform that was popular at the time, referred to as "zouaves." It was first seen in North Africa and later adopted by a few armies -- to include some regiments in the Union Army during the American Civil War. This article should be more informative than I could put into a comment.

http://militaryhistorynow.com/2016/10/26/fighting-peacocks-the-colourful-history-of-zouaves/

Edit: grammar