The 5th
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, about how many individuals of Mexican heritage live in the United States?
more than 52 million people are of Mexican descent.
Who was the French leader who sent troops to Mexico?
Emperor Napoleon III
Did the United States support Mexico in the war?
No
The United States was worried about offending other countries and remained neutral.
Two of America’s favorite food crops originated in Mexico. Can you guess them?
Tomatoes and chocolate
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.
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.
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.
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.
Approximately how many Mexican restaurants are in the U.S?
more than 48,000
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
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.
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.
Why is Cinco de Mayo important to the U.S., apart from the cultural observations and economic boost?
Mexican resistance made it difficult for France to interfere with the Civil War
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.
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
Why do you think Cinco de Mayo celebrations are not as big in Mexico?
Politics soiled the associations of the holiday