Is Cinco de Mayo an official national holiday in Mexico itself? Who popularized the celebration in the United States and why? Which battle is Cinco de Mayo meant to commemorate? Why is that battle such a big deal even today? Which country did Mexico defeat during that battle? Who is Ignacio Zaragoza? What special competition is held in some Southwestern states for Cinco de Mayo (hint: it involves tiny Mexican dogs)?
If you love history, especially Mexican history, then Cinco de Mayo is just the niche holiday and trivia category for you. Test your knowledge on this oft-misunderstood holiday that the Mexican community in the United States has largely adopted as its own with this great set of Cinco de Mayo trivia questions and answers. Even if you are the leading expert on history in your friend group, there’s no doubt some of these answers will surprise you.
Did you enjoy this Cinco de Mayo trivia? If so, check out our other holiday themed quizzes, including St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day trivia, April Fools Day, and Labor Day trivia!
Which country celebrates Cinco de Mayo more?
Spain
The United States
Canada
Mexico
What is the official dish of Cinco de Mayo?
Tacos
Tamales
Mole Poblano
Enchiladas
Which type of music is usually played during Cinco de Mayo celebrations?
Rock Music
Mariachi Music
Pop Music
Country Music
What colors are associated with Cinco de Mayo?
Red, White and Green
Red and Black
Black, White and Green
Blue and Purple
Which fruit is known for being widely purchased during Cinco de Mayo?
Watermelon
Bananas
Avocados
Lemon
How is Cinco de Mayo viewed in Mexico?
It Is A Minor Holiday
It Is Not Celebrated At All
It Is A Major Holiday
Only Children Celebrate
Which US President helped popularize Cinco de Mayo with the Good Neighbor Policy?
John F. Kennedy
Harry Truman
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Lyndon B. Johnson
Which country was Mexico going against during their war in 1862?
France
Yugoslavia
Spain
The United States
Where does the biggest festival for Cinco de Mayo take place?
Mexico City
Los Angeles, California
San Antonio, Texas
Santa Fe, New Mexico
In 2017, how did the Corona beer company celebrate Cinco de Mayo in New York City’s Times Square?
By launching a new lime-flavored beer
By hosting a ‘Lime Drop’ event with the Times Square Ball resembling a lime wedge
By giving out free beers to all attendees
By sponsoring a traditional Mexican dance performance
How did the Chicano Rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s use Cinco de Mayo?
As a day to promote traditional Mexican music and dance
To organize community clean-up events
To raise funds for educational programs
As a symbol of pride and cultural resistance
Who led the Mexican army to victory against French forces on May 5, 1862?
General Ignacio Zaragoza
General Antonio López de Santa Anna
General Emiliano Zapata
General Pancho Villa
How is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in Mexico?
Political Speeches
Parades
Battle Reenactments
All Of Them
Which leader decided to wage war against Mexico in 1862?
King Edward
Jerome Bonaparte
Napoleon III
Otto Von Bismarck
Where does the “Celebrate Culture” festival for Cinco de Mayo take place?
New York City
Denver, Colorado
Puebla, Mexico
Houston, Texas
How is Cinco de Mayo typically celebrated in the United States?
Street Festivals
At Churches
At Restaurants
At The Beach
What is the significance of Cinco de Mayo?
Battle of Puebla Victory
Mexican Independence Day
Labor Day
Day of the Dead
What year did Congress declare Cinco de Mayo an official US holiday?
2010
2015
2005
2000
What kind of alcohol is the most purchased and consumed during Cinco de Mayo?
Vodka
Tequila
Rum
Whiskey
Why did other nations want to take Mexico to war in 1862?
Mexico Threatened Them
To Seize Their Land
For Slavery Purposes
Unpaid Debt
What day is Cinco de Mayo on?
September 16th
May 5th
October 5th
May 15th
Who was the President of Mexico during the battle in 1862, which later was called Cinco de Mayo?
Benito Juarez
Hernan Cortes
Ignacio Comonfort
Porfirio Diaz
Which country is Cinco de Mayo largely celebrated, in addition to the US and Mexico?
Brazil
Australia
Guatemala
Portugal
Which city in Mexico mainly celebrates Cinco de Mayo?
Mexico City
Merida
Cancun
Puebla
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