Cinco De Mayo Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Cinco De Mayo: A Celebration of Mexican Heritage

Cinco de Mayo, which translates to “Fifth of May” in Spanish, is a significant holiday in Mexico that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While it is often misunderstood as Mexico’s independence day, it is actually a celebration of the country’s resistance against foreign invasion.

A Brief History of Cinco de Mayo

In 1861, Mexico was facing a severe economic crisis, which led to the country defaulting on its foreign debts. France, Britain, and Spain, who were among the creditors, sent troops to Mexico to collect on the debts. However, while Britain and Spain withdrew their forces after negotiations, France remained and attempted to take control of the country.

The French army, led by General Charles de Lorencez, marched towards Mexico City, but was met with resistance from the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. Despite being outnumbered, the Mexican army emerged victorious at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This victory was a significant boost to the morale of the Mexican people and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

While Cinco de Mayo is not as widely celebrated in Mexico as it is in the United States, it is still an important holiday in the country. In Mexico, the day is marked with parades, music, and traditional food. The city of Puebla, where the battle took place, is the center of the celebrations, with a large parade and reenactments of the battle.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular cultural celebration, with many people mistakenly believing it to be Mexico’s independence day. However, it is still a significant celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, with many cities and towns hosting festivals, parades, and traditional Mexican food.

Reading Comprehension Worksheets for Cinco de Mayo

To help students learn more about Cinco de Mayo, here are some reading comprehension worksheets:

Worksheet 1: The History of Cinco de Mayo

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

“Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The French army, led by General Charles de Lorencez, marched towards Mexico City, but was met with resistance from the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. Despite being outnumbered, the Mexican army emerged victorious, marking a significant turning point in the country’s history.”

Questions:

• What is Cinco de Mayo a celebration of?
• Who led the French army in the Battle of Puebla?
• Who led the Mexican army in the Battle of Puebla?
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Puebla?

Worksheet 2: Cinco de Mayo Traditions

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

“In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with parades, music, and traditional food. The city of Puebla, where the battle took place, is the center of the celebrations, with a large parade and reenactments of the battle. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular cultural celebration, with many cities and towns hosting festivals, parades, and traditional Mexican food.”

Questions:

• How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico?
• What city is the center of the celebrations in Mexico?
• How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States?

Worksheet 3: The Significance of Cinco de Mayo

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

“Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. It is a reminder of the country’s resistance against foreign invasion and its victory over the French army. The holiday is also a celebration of the bravery and patriotism of the Mexican people.”

Questions:

• What is Cinco de Mayo a celebration of?
• What does the holiday remind us of?
• What values are celebrated on Cinco de Mayo?

Additional Resources

For additional resources on Cinco de Mayo, including images, videos, and lesson plans, please visit the following websites:

• [Insert websites]

Conclusion

Cinco de Mayo is an important holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. It is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, and a reminder of the country’s resistance against foreign invasion. By learning more about Cinco de Mayo, students can gain a deeper understanding of Mexican history and culture.