The 5th
America & Cinco de Mayo
Cuisine
Music & Dance
Mixed Bag
100
True or false? Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s independence, just like the Fourth of July is for the United States.
False
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862
100
The leader of the Mexican militia in the Battle of Puebla was born in the Mexican province of Texas, at a village located at modern Goliad, Texas. Who was he?
a. General Victoriano Huerta b. General Porfirio Diaz c. Pancho Villa d. General Ignacio Zaragoza
General Ignacio Zaragoza
100
What is the most popular vegetable on Cinco de Mayo?
The avocado
May 5 is the biggest day for guacamole sales. More than two billion pounds of avocados are sold for Cinco de Mayo. The California Avocado Commission estimates 81 million pounds are eaten in America alone.
100
There are five instruments that are instrumental to a mariachi band. Can you name 3?
the violin, a guitar, a trumpet, a 15th-century Spanish stringed instrument called a vihuela, and a base guitar called a guitarrón.
100
What are the colors of the Mexican flag?
green, white, and red.
Green stands for hope and independence, white signifies purity and religion, and red symbolizes Spain and union.
200
Why did France invade Mexico?
Debt collection
From 1858 to 1860, Mexico was embroiled in a civil war, which had adverse effects on its economy. When Benito Juárez took office in 1861, the Mexican government couldn’t afford to make payments on its debt to other countries.
200
What American War was happening at the same time as the Franco-Mexican war? a. Revolutionary War b. Spanish-American War c. Civil War d. World War I
Civil War 1861-1865.
200
What is the most popular drink on Cinco de Mayo?
Tequila
Almost half the drinks consumed on Cinco de Mayo are margaritas, which are made with tequila.
200
The Mexican folk music style son is a precursor to the mariachi style. However, the sound was very different because they only played _______
string instruments.
200
According to the 2024 U.S. Census, about how many individuals of Mexican heritage live in the United States?
roughly 40 million people
It is estimated that about 71% of those were born here in America
300
Who was the French leader who sent troops to Mexico?
Emperor Napoleon III
300
Did the United States support Mexico in the war?
No
The United States was worried about offending other countries and remained neutral.
300
Two of America’s favorite food crops originated in Mexico. Can you guess them?
Tomatoes and chocolate
300
Cinco de Mayo is known for food, music, and dancing. What is the most well-known Mexican dance?
“Jarabe Tapatio,” better known in English as the “Mexican Hat Dance.”
This partner dance symbolizes a man courting a woman, and at the end of the dance, the man is rewarded with a kiss, usually implied.
300
Puebla, Mexico holds the first of what type of building for all of the Americas.
public library
The Biblioteca Palafoxiana was established in 1646.
400
Why is this battle so celebrated?
The Battle of Puebla was a tale of David defeating Goliath. The French army was formidable in size and had more weaponry, but the smaller Mexican army prevailed.
400
Where was the first U.S. celebration of Cinco de Mayo held?
California
Celebrations began in California just weeks after the battle, when word arrived via newspaper.
400
Approximately how many Mexican restaurants are in the U.S?
more than 48,000
400
In the 19th century son music took more steps towards the look of the mariachi bands we know today by swapping their simple clothes for a style worn by whom?
horsemen
400
Where is the world’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration held?
Los Angeles, California.
Fiesta Broadway is held every year in downtown Los Angeles. It celebrates Mexican culture specifically and Latin American culture in general.
500
Is Cinco de Mayo a national holiday in Mexico?
It is not
While Cinco de Mayo was declared a national holiday by President Benito Juárez on May 9, 1862, it’s no longer celebrated as a national holiday in Mexico.
500
What American president promoted the celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.?
President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
In 1933, he enacted the “Good Neighbor Policy” to improve American relationships with Latin American countries.
500
Mole poblano is the official food of Cinco de Mayo. It is made of chili peppers, spices, and what surprise ingredient?
Chocolate
This native Pueblan dish is a sauce made with as many as 20 ingredients, including chocolate and chilies. Traditionally, it is served over turkey.
500
During the French occupation, after repelling France, and later on after the Mexican Revolution, musicians played (pun intended) an important role other than entertainer. What was it?
They carried news from town to town
500
Puebla, Mexico is the only place in Mexico to produce authentic Talavara pottery, which is identified by what
it's blend of Spanish and indigenous techniques
a tin-glazed earthenware, recognized for its vibrant colors, intricate hand-painted designs, and rich 16th-century Spanish-Italian-Mexican heritage. It is made from locally sourced clay, fired twice for durability, and often features raised, colorful, and detailed patterns.