Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the "Fifth of May," and it is a day to eat, drink, and celebrate the great country of Mexico. Many people believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, but that is not true. In 1862, a Mexican army in Puebla, though greatly outnumbered1, defeated French troops who were
invading Mexico. Because of this, Cinco de Mayo is now a day to celebrate
overcoming obstacles, no matter how great they are.
Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo celebrations were actually started in California, not Mexico. It was reported that the celebrations were held to show rebellion2 against France's eventual
occupation of Mexico. Even today, more people celebrate this holiday in the US than in Mexico. The celebrations usually involve feasts and dancing. For Mexican emigrants3 living around the world, Cinco de Mayo is also a time to
honor their home country and their heritage4. This May, no matter where you live, take a moment to
reflect on the obstacles you have overcome in your life. Then, play some lively music, cook some Mexican food, and enjoy this great holiday!
Cinco de Mayo是西班牙文中的『五月五日』之意，而這也是個吃吃喝喝、盛讚墨西哥這個偉大國度的一天。許多人都認為Cinco de Mayo是墨西哥的獨立紀念日，但這並非為真。1862年，一支位在Puebla的墨西哥軍隊，儘管必須以寡敵眾，卻依然擊退入侵墨西哥的法國部隊（編按：Puebla為墨西哥的一省，地處該國的中部偏東）。因此，Cinco de Mayo如今是個頌揚克服阻礙的日子，不論這些阻礙有多麼艱難。
有趣的是，Cinco de Mayo的慶祝活動其實是發源於加州，而非墨西哥。據傳之所以舉辦這些慶祝活動，是為了表達對於法國最終佔領墨西哥的反抗之意。即便到了今日，美國國內慶祝這個節日的人還是比墨西哥要來得多。慶祝活動通常包含了盛宴及舞蹈。對於住在世界各地的墨西哥移民而言，Cinco de Mayo也是一個崇敬他們祖國和傳統的日子。今年五月，不論您住在哪裡，請花片刻來仔細回想您在人生中曾克服的障礙。接著播放一些輕快的音樂，煮上一點墨西哥食物，然後好好享受這個精采的節日吧！
1. What is the purpose of Cinco de Mayo?
(A) To celebrate Mexico's independence.
(B) To honor the
founding fathers5 of Mexico.
(C) To remember the end of France's rule over Mexico in 1862.
(D) To celebrate a historic event as well as the meaning it represents.
1. Cinco de Mayo 這個節日的目的為何？
(A) 慶祝墨西哥的獨立。
(B) 尊崇墨西哥的開國元勛。
(C) 紀念墨西哥於1862年脫離法國的統治。
(D) 頌揚一個歷史性的事件及其所代表的意義。
2. Which of the following is true of Cinco de Mayo?
(A) This holiday is
primarily celebrated in the US.
(B) The celebrations of this holiday began in Puebla, Mexico.
(C) Mexicans around the world return to their home country on this day.
(D) People who first celebrated this day supported France's occupation of Mexico.
2. 關於Cinco de Mayo，下列何者為真？
(A) 這個節日主要是在美國國內慶祝。
(B) 這個節日的慶祝活動始於墨西哥的Puebla。
(C) 全世界的墨西哥人會在這天回到他們的祖國。
(D) 首先慶祝這個節日的人支持法國佔領墨西哥。
答案：1. (D) 2. (A)
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