25 Fiesta-Worthy Cinco de Mayo Trivia Questions (And Fun Facts)

Cinco de Mayo trivia will spice up your celebration with fiesta-worthy fun facts.

Whether you are planning a gathering or eager to learn more, these trivia questions add an extra dash of flavor to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

From historical facts to cultural tidbits, test your knowledge now!

Cinco de Mayo trivia questions and answers quiz; fun facts

Fun Fact: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day and it’s not a federal holiday in Mexico. Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

Cinco de Mayo Trivia

1. What day is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?

The fifth of May

2. Why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated?

It commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

3. What war did this battle occur in?

Second Franco-Mexican War

4. What is the official name of this holiday in Mexico?

El Día de la Batalla de Puebla

5. What does the holiday’s official name translate to in English?

The Day of the Battle of Puebla

Fun Fact: The Mexican army was largely outnumbered and hid behind tall cactus plants to defeat the French in this battle. (source)

6. What was the name of the Mexican general who led the army that defeated the French on May 5, 1862?

General Ignacio Zaragoza

7. What state most likely had the first Cinco de Mayo fiesta in the United States?

California- A few weeks after the Battle of Puebla, Americans and Latinos in California heard about the valiant efforts of Mexican soldiers. They celebrated with parades and food.

8. Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday in Mexico and is primarily celebrated where?

Puebla

9. How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico?

With a military parade

10. The Battle of Puebla is re-enacted every year in what city?

Mexico City

11. What is the main dish served in Mexico on the holiday?

Mole (pronounced mo-lay) Poblano- a dish that originated in Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo holiday trivia questions and answers; food; celebrations; tradition

12. What is Mole Poblano?

A sauce with dozens of ingredients, including chocolate and chilis.

13. What is Mole Poblano served over?

Pork, turkey, or chicken (as a main dish or a filling in tamales)

Fun Fact: Before the modern age of food manufacturing, Mole Poblano took days to prepare.

14. What festival does Puebla host annually as part of the Cinco de Mayo festivities?

The International Mole Festival- a two-day festival where you can learn how to create the ultimate mole.

15. True or False: Schools are closed on May 5th in Mexico.

True!

16. What do Americans eat over 80 million pounds of on Cinco de Mayo alone?

Avocados (source)

17. What many Americans think of as Mexican cuisine is actually what?

Tex-Mex cuisine

18. Who inspired the culinary blend of popularized Texas foods?

The Tejanos people (Texans of Mexican descent)

19. What is a traditional Mexican folk music ensemble called?

Mariachi Band

20. Mariachi bands may include violins, guitars, and what brass instrument?

Trumpet

Fun Fact: Mariachi music dates back to the 19th century. You may see colorfully clad dancers in Puebla dresses performing traditional steps to the music.

21. What president helped popularize Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. with his 1933 Good Neighbor Policy? It was to improve relations with Central and South American countries.

President Roosevelt

22. What year did Congress declare Cinco de Mayo an official U.S. holiday?

2005

23. What colors are traditionally associated with Cinco de Mayo?

Red, white, and green- the colors of the Mexican flag

24. About how many people of Mexican origin live in the United States?

37.2 million (source)

25. Where does the largest U.S. Cinco de Mayo celebration occur?

Los Angeles (source)

Fun Fact: 47% of all drinks ordered on Cinco de Mayo are margaritas. (source)

cinco de mayo trivia questions and answers; fun facts

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