20 Cinco De Mayo Trivia Of America's Beloved Holiday

Celebrated on May 5th, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican army's surprise victory in the Battle of Puebla. In 1862, at the height of the Second Franco-Mexican War, the victory was achieved. This is a day that's typically connected to traditional foods and beverages in America. For many families, it is an exciting tradition.

Here are 20 fascinating Cinco de Mayo trivia about the celebration that we have put together. Come along with us as we explore the rich legacy of Mexican and American culture!

1. Which nation celebrates Cinco de Mayo the most widely?

a. Mexico

b. United States of America

c. Spain

d. France

Answer: B. Cinco de Mayo, which is more well-known in the US than in Mexico, has come to symbolize the celebration of Mexican-American culture.

2. Which other holiday is most commonly mistaken with Cinco de Mayo?

a. Mardi Gras

b. Day of the Dead

c. 4th of July

d. Mexican Independence Day

Answer: D. September 16 is designated as Mexican Independence Day.

3. In what engagement did the Mexican militia surprise the French on May 5, 1862?

a. Battle of Puebla

b. Battle of the Alamo

c. Battle of Palo Alto

d. Battle of Buena Vista

Answer: A. The Battle of Puebla was a brief engagement that did not indicate the end of the war.

4. In an attempt to establish territorial control, which French leader dispatched troops to Mexico?

a. King Louis XVIII

b. King Charles X

c. Duke of Reichstadt

d. Emperor Napoleon III

Answer: D. Emperor Napoleon III aimed to include Mexico in the group of French-controlled nations.

5. Which decades saw the rise of Cinco de Mayo festivities in the U.S.?

a. 1920-1930

b. 1950-1960

c. 1980-1990

d. 2000-2010

Answer: C. Thanks to beer, wine, and tequila businesses' advertising operations in the 1980s, Cinco de Mayo became more popular across the country than just for people of Mexican-American descent. Today, beer sales on the holiday rival those of the Super Bowl.

6. How many troops were in the Mexican militia that, on May 5, 1862, defeated the French?

a. 500

b. 1500

c. 2000

d. 6000

Answer: C. Puebla de Los Angeles was immediately defended by 2,000 devoted Mexicans.

7. Who served as Mexico's president in 1862?

a. Vincente Fox

b. Luis Echeverría Álvarez

c. Pedro Lascuráin

d. Benito Juárez

Answer: D. In 1861, liberal Benito Juárez was elected president.

8. What is the most widely consumed dish in Mexico on Cinco de Mayo?

a. Tacos

b. Taquitos

c. Tamales

d. Mole Poblano

Answer: D. Ground components are used to make the dark sauce known as Mole Poblano.

9. In what location is the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration held worldwide?

a. Los Angeles, California

b. Puebla, Mexico

c. Santa Fe, New Mexico

d. Mexico City, Mexico

Answer: A. Over 300,000 people attended the celebration in Los Angeles, California in 2016.

10. In the fight that commemorated Cinco de Mayo, what did the Mexican militia's victory against the French mean?

a. The end of the Franco-Mexican War

b. A moral win for the underdog

c. The beginning of the Mexican Revolution

d. An illustration of how to control a territory

Answer: B. Despite losing the war, Mexico's little triumph offered hope to others battling against more powerful adversaries everywhere in the world.

11. On what date does Mexico celebrate its independence?

a. May 5

b. November 2

c. February 6

d. September 16

Answer: D. September 16 is designated as Independence Day in observance of the 1810 proclamation of war against Spain.

12. What events take place in Mexico to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

a. Military parades and battle reenactments

b. Pinatas and fireworks

c. Tequila drinking competitions

d. Taco buffets

Answer: A. Military parades and reenactments commemorate the historic struggle for Puebla's citizens.

13. In what decade did Cinco de Mayo in the United States become into a "drinking holiday"?

a. 1990’s

b. 1980’s

c. 1970’s

d. 1960’s

Answer: B. American businesses viewed Cinco de Mayo in the 1980s as a chance to capitalize on the growing Latino population.

14. In the combat commemorating Cinco de Mayo, who led the Mexican militia?

a. General Victoriano Huerta

b. General Porfirio Diaz

c. Pancho Villa

d. General Ignacio Zaragoza

Answer: D. The underprepared Mexicans were led to victory by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

15. What is the name of the town that hosted the historic Cinco de Mayo skirmish?

a. Puebla de Los Ángeles

b. Tijuana

c. Mexico City

d. Chihuahua

Answer: A. General Zaragoza inspired the eventual renaming of Puebla de Los Ángeles.

16. On Cinco de Mayo, how many pounds of avocados do Americans eat?

a. 80, 000

b. 800,000

c. 81 million

d. 8 billion

Answer: C. 81 million pounds are reportedly consumed, according to the California Avocado Commission.

17. Which American conflict coincided with the Franco-Mexican conflict?

a. Revolutionary War

b. Spanish-American War

c. Civil War

d. World War I

Answer: C. The years 1861–1865 saw the American Civil War flare. 

18. For what initial purpose did the French interfere in Mexico at this time?

a. recover outstanding debts

b. establish French dominance over the nation

c. exact revenge on Mexico for its anti-European tactics

d. acquire land for farming

Answer: A. After learning of Napoleon's plans, the governments of Spain, France, and Britain withdrew from their initial plans to collect debts jointly.

19. How did America feel about French interference in Mexico?

a. Unanimously sided with France

b. Acquired unanimous sided with Mexico

c. Divided loyalties between both sides

d. Remaining neutral

Answer: D. The United States attempted to maintain its neutral position in order to save resources for its own war and avoid upsetting any other nations.

20. How lengthy was the conflict that gave rise to Cinco de Mayo?

a. 2 days

b. 1 month

c. 1 week

d. 4 hours

Answer: D. The Puebla Battle was over in about four hours.

Final Words

Cinco de Mayo is a great way to honor the bravery and culture of both Mexican and American people. It's also a fantastic approach to impart to kids the value of democracy and freedom.

For parents and teachers looking to engage their students in enjoyable, interactive learning, WorksheetZone is an excellent resource. Cinco de Mayo Worksheets are just one of the many free materials in our library that will help you learn more!

Besides, our Cinco de Mayo songs provide melodic suggestions for everyone of all ages to celebrate a special event on 5th May and organize a music party.