Mexico: A Taste of the Culture Quiz

Answer: Mariachis

The mariachi is symbolic of Mexican culture and tradition. No fiesta, wedding or even funeral is complete without mariachis. They accompany singers, or perform by themselves. A tradition in Mexico is for a young man to hire a mariachi group and serenade the young woman he loves at her bedroom window. Though most groups are composed of men, there are all-women mariachis, mixed-gender groups and children's groups.

Their instruments are usually violins, several types of guitars and wind instruments. "Las Mañanitas" and "Cielito Lindo" are typical mariachi songs.

Whenever the late (and much beloved) Pope John Paul II visited Mexico, he would be serenaded by mariachis, to his apparent delight. Maracas are a popular musical instrument, manzanas are apples, and the marimba is also a musical instrument.

Answer: Tequila

The maguey plant for tequila is primarily grown in Jalisco. The plant begins to mature at 7-12 years, and it becomes enormous. There are strict standards for the making of tequila. It must be at least 51% agave; the remainder is usually liquid made from sugarcane or maize.

There are many different qualities of tequila. The finest tequila goes down smoothly and is quite delicious. Other drinks made from maguey are pulque and mezcal. Aguardiente is brandy, and azucar is sugar.

Answer: Tamales

Almost anything can be used as a filling for tamales. Pork, chicken and beef with a mild chili sauce are favorites. But you can also use cheese, there are sweet tamales, fish tamales, almost anything edible can be used. They are traditional at Christmastime, when all the women in the family gather to make dozens of tamales.

As you stroll in any plaza, you're bound to come across a stand where tamales are sold. Enchiladas, burritos and tacos are all dishes wrapped with tortillas.

Answer: Pinatas

No Mexican birthday fiesta is complete without a piñata. The piñata originally came from China. Marco Polo introduced the piñata to Europe after having come upon them during his travels there. The Spanish then introduced piñatas to Mexico, where they became part of the Catholic religious celebration called the posada. Their use in celebrations has continued and spread throughout North America.
Muñecas (dolls), cochinitos (little pigs) and perritos (little dogs) are children's toys.

Answer: Diego Rivera

Diego Rivera was a cubist painter and muralist. He was quite well-known in the US for a mural he painted in the lobby of the Rockefeller Building, depicting communist figures contrasted with the US founding fathers. That particular work was destroyed by an infuriated Rockefeller staff before it could be displayed. Along with Mexican artists José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo, he experimented with murals and large frescoes.

He soon developed his own unique style. He was also involved with left-wing politics, and many of his murals dealt with political subjects.

He was a controversial figure in Mexico, in particular because of his attacks on the Catholic church. Rivera's murals can be seen in the National Palace in Mexico City, a must-see if you're ever in the Mexican capitol.

Answer: Cantinflas

"Cantinflas" was actually Mario Moreno (1911-1993). His character was a poor, street-wise man, constantly getting into scrapes. He has been referred to as the "Charlie Chaplin of Mexico", which describes him perfectly. He appeared in "Around the World in 80 Days" in 1956.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture for that year. Cantinflas was hilarious in it, and in everything else he ever appeared in. He was hugely successful in Latin America, making over 50 films during his long career. Tin Tan and Resortes were both famous comedians. Carlos Salinas was a particularly disastrous ex-president of Mexico.

Answer: Vicente Fox

Mexico's first president from the National Action Party (PAN), his election was an historic event. Born in Mexico City in 1942, Vicente Fox Quesada was elected Mexico's 62nd president in July 2000, defeating the PRI candidate, Francisco Labastida. He had been Coca-Cola's chief executive in Mexico, then went on to become governor of his home state of Guanajuato. His election has been called "the fairest in Mexico's history." He faced an enormous challenge, but has managed to do a decent job, in the opinion of many.
Mexican politics are very entertaining and at the same time quite maddening. A good percent of elected officials are crooked, bribes are endemic and affect everyone, and nobody seems to be able to do anything about it. I've traveled a good deal in Mexico, and have been shaken down by traffic cops and customs officials.
Diego Fernandez, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and Cuauhtemoc Cardenas are all political figures in Mexico.

Answer: Acapulco

Everyone should go to Acapulco. There are so many attractions: beaches, water sports, fine dining, beautiful hotels and restaurants, and great night life. You won't want to miss the La Quebrada Cliff Divers, a group of professional divers that perform for the public daily.

The World Cliff Diving Championships take place at La Quebrada in Acapulco. Guadalajara, Monterrey and Leon are all large cities in Mexico.

Answer: chorizo

Huevos con chorizo (eggs with chorizo) is a breakfast favorite, but chorizo can also be served alone, or mixed with beans or potatoes. Chorizo is usually made from pork and seasoned with chili. It has become quite popular in the United States. Churros are sweet fried pastries, chimichangas are similar to burritos, and chicharrones are fried pork rinds, all Mexican favorites.

Answer: mi casa es su casa

"Mi casa es su casa" translated is "My house is your house." "Mi cosa es su cosa" - "My thing is your thing." "No mires a mi esposa" - "Don't look at my wife." "Se acabó la cerveza" - "The beer's all gone." Mexicans are wonderfully hospitable and polite.
¡Muchas gracias!