History & Civilizations
This ancient civilization built the massive Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacán before the Aztecs arrived.
Who were the Teotihuacanos? (Accept: Toltecs/Mayans/Aztecs as general pre-Columbian context, though Teotihuacán culture is distinct).
This massive body of water borders Mexico to the east and is famous for its warm waters and oil reserves.
What is the Gulf of Mexico?
This popular dip made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, and lime juice is a staple of Mexican cuisine.
This early November holiday honors deceased loved ones with vibrant altars (ofrendas), sugar skulls, and marigolds.
What is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)?
Millions of these orange-and-black insects migrate thousands of miles from Canada and the US to winter in the forests of Michoacán.
What are Monarch butterflies?
The ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum were built by this advanced Mesoamerican civilization known for its hieroglyphic script and calendar.
Who were the Maya?
This peninsula in southeastern Mexico separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea and is famous for its resort towns.
What is the Yucatán Peninsula?
This famous alcoholic spirit must be produced in specific regions of Mexico and is made strictly from the blue agave plant.
What is tequila?
This world-famous 20th-century Mexican painter is renowned for her raw, colorful self-portraits and her distinct unibrow.
Who was Frida Kahlo?
This large, spotted wild cat is the largest feline species in the Americas and holds a sacred place in Mayan mythology.
What is the jaguar?
Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16th, marking the anniversary of this priest's famous 1810 rally cry, "Grito de Dolores."
Who was Miguel Hidalgo?
Mexico City was built directly on top of the ruins of this ancient Aztec capital city.
What is Tenochtitlan?
Meaning "sauce" or "concoction," this rich, complex traditional Mexican sauce often features chili peppers, spices, and a hint of chocolate.
What is mole?
This husband of Frida Kahlo was a leader in the Mexican Muralism movement, painting massive public works depicting Mexico's history.
Who was Diego Rivera?
Mexico's national flag features a golden eagle perched on a cactus doing this action, which signaled to the Aztecs where to build their city.
What is eating/devouring a snake?
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely 1862 victory over this European empire at the Battle of Puebla.
What is France?
This long peninsula in northwestern Mexico separates the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California.
What is Baja California?
This traditional Mesoamerican dish consists of seasoned meat or corn dough wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and steamed.
What is a tamale
This traditional style of Mexican music features string instruments, trumpets, and musicians wearing elaborate traje de charro suits.
What is Mariachi?
These natural, water-filled limestone sinkholes are found all over the Yucatán Peninsula and were used by the Maya for water and sacrifices.
What are cenotes?
This Aztec emperor was the ruler of Tenochtitlan when Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in 1519.
Who was Moctezuma II?
Standing at 5,636 meters, Citlaltépetl (also known as Pico de Orizaba) holds this geographic title within Mexico.
What is the highest mountain/volcano?
This small, complexly flavored poblano chili pepper dish is stuffed with picadillo, covered in a walnut cream sauce, and topped with pomegranate seeds to represent the Mexican flag.
What is Chiles en nogada
These brightly colored, fantastical Mexican folk art sculptures depict mythical creatures made from elements of different animals.
What are alebrijes
This critically endangered Mexican salamander, native to Lake Xochimilco, is famous for its ability to regenerate lost limbs and its "smiling" face.
What is an axolotl