Cinco de Mayo

Key Facts

100

Cinco de Mayo means ___ ___...

May 5th

200

Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated? 

To remember Mexico's victory over French forces. 

300

What battle did Mexico win? 

The Battle of Puebla

400

When was the Battle of Puebla? 

May 5, 1862

500

Is Cinco de Mayo the same as Mexico's Independence Day? 

No, Independence Day in Mexico is celebrated on September 16. 

Government

100

Who fought the Battle of Puebla? 

Mexico and France

200

Why was Mexico unable to make debt payments to France? 

They were in a state of financial ruin.

300

Who was the president of Mexico at this time? 

Benito Juarez

400

Who was the leader of France at this time? 

Napolean III

500

How did the leader of France deal with Mexico being unable to re-pay them money that was owed? 

The leader of France, thought it would be an ideal opportunity to take territory from Mexico by attacking them?

BONUS: Critical reasoning: WHY do you think it was an 'ideal opportunity' to attach Mexico while they were in financial ruin? 

The Battle

100

How many Frenchmen attacked Mexico on May 5, 1862? 

6,000 

200

How many Mexican soldiers assembled as a force? 

2,000

300

How long did the battle last? 

From daybreak until early evening. 

400

How many soldiers did the French lose before retreating? 

Nearly 500

500

When and how did the war end? 

In 1867 when France withdrew thanks to the United States' support to Mexico. 

Celebration

100

In Mexio, is Cinco de Mayo a major holiday in which banks, schools and businesses close? 

No

200

How do people in Mexico celebrate Cinco de Mayo? 

Primarily in Puebla there are parades and battle recreations. 

300

How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States? 

Celebrations in the U.S. are focused on Mexican culture and heritage. 

400

Where are Cinco de Mayo celebrations the largest in the United States? 

In areas with higher Mexican populations. 

500

When was Cinco de Mayo first celebrated as a holiday in the United States? 

In the 1960's 

Culture

100

Who raised awareness of the holiday? 

Chicano activists

200

Why was Cinco de Mayo inspirational for Mexicans? 

Because an indigenous army of Mexicans led by an indigenous President Juarez defeateed European invaders. 

BONUS: What does indigenous mean? 

300

Today, what do Cinco de Mayo celebrations include? 

Mariachi music, parades, parties, dancing and traditional foods

400

What is a popular traditional Mexican in Puebla? 

Mole Poblano

500

What is a special ingredient in Mole sauce and what is the significance? 

Chocolate is thought to help counteract the heat of the chili peppers, but does not dominate the flavor of the sauce. 

BONUS: What is Mole sauce served on top of?