Drinks
This popular cold drink is made from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
What is horchata.
This bright orange flower is used to guide spirits to the ofrenda.
What is the marigold (cempasúchil).
The literal English translation of "Cinco de Mayo".
What is the fifth of May.
Also known as the Mexican Hat Dance, this lively national folk dance features a couple stepping around a wide-brimmed charro hat.
What is the Jarabe Tapatío.
This Mexican state is widely considered the birthplace of traditional mariachi music.
What is Jalisco.
This bright red sweet water is made from dried hibiscus flowers.
What is agua de jamaica.
This sweet, round pastry decorated with bone-like strips is baked for the holiday.
What is pan de muerto.
The specific foreign army that Mexico fought against during the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Who is France.
Originating from Michoacán, young dancers wear wooden masks with smiling old men's faces and bend over to do humorous, shuffling footwork.
What is the Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men).
This deep-toned, large-bodied acoustic bass guitar is a staple and unique anchor of a traditional mariachi ensemble.
What is a guitarrón.
By law, tequila must be made from 100% of this specific type of agave.
What is the blue agave (or Weber blue agave).
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on this date.
What is September 16th,
The brave general who led the outnumbered Mexican army to victory at Puebla.
Who is General Ignacio Zaragoza?
Performed in Veracruz, this energetic couple's dance takes its name from a traditional wooden platform where dancers stamp their feet to create rhythmic percussion.
What is the Huapango (or La Bamba).
Wearing these ornate, traditional studded garments and wide-brimmed hats is standard for mariachi performers.
What is a traje de charro.
Unlike tequila, this smoky, distilled agave spirit can be made from many different varieties of agave and is often cooked in underground pits.
What is mezcal.
This famous patriotic cry or "shout" is performed by the president on the night of September 15.
What is El Grito de Dolores.
The false belief that many people have about what this holiday actually celebrates in Mexico.
What is Mexican Independence Day? (Independence is actually September 16).
Associated with the state of Oaxaca, this conquest-themed dance features performers wearing massive, colorful feathered headdresses reenacting historical events.
What is the Danza de la Pluma.
This legendary ranchera singer was known as "El Rey" (The King) and popularized compositions like "El Rey" written by José Alfredo Jiménez.
Who is Vicente Fernández.
This traditional, foamy, fermented drink is made from the sap of the agave plant, known as aguamiel.
What is pulque.
This priest initiated Mexico's war for independence with his famous cry in 1810.
Who is Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla?.
This California city hosts one of the world's largest Cinco de Mayo festivals, Fiesta Broadway.
What is Los Angeles.
Meaning "deer dance" in the Yaqui language, this ritual folk dance from Sonora portrays the hunt of a deer using a live-action enactment by a solo dancer.
What is the Danza del Venado (Deer Dance).
This German-influenced musical style found in northern Mexico relies heavily on the accordion and the bajo sexto.
What is Norteño.