Spanish Cultural Trivia

History
When did Spaniards arrive in Mexico? 1519
During what centuries did Los Reyes Católicos rule? Late 15th and early 16th
centuries
Of what country was Panamá formerly a part? Colombia
What is the name of the institution that persecuted Jews & The Spanish Inquisition
Moslems in Spain?
In what year did the last Spanish Civil War begin? 1936
At what port did Cortés arrive? Veracruz
Simón Bolivar fought for the independence of which five Colombia, Venezuela,
countries? Perú, Ecuador & Bolivia
What parade has taken place in New York every year since Desfile Puertorriqueño
1951?
What set fire on his ships after promising never to return to Hernán Cortés
Spain?
When did the French defeat the Mexican army? 1863
Why do many southwestern cities in the U.S. have Spanish They were a part of
names like Amarillo, El Paso, San Diego? Mexico
Who was the general who was the dictator in Spain after the Francisco Franco
Civil War?
Which Carthaginian general used Spain as a base to attack Hannibal
the Romans?
What was Juan Perón’s first wife’s name? Eva/Evita

What Landmarks can you see in Teotihuacán? The pyramids of the Sun
and the Moon
What Spanish group of people is believed to be descended The Basques
from the ancient Iberians?
Who led the northern revolutionary troops in the Mexican Pancho Villa
Civil War?
When did Spain join the European Union? In 1992
When were the murallas (walls) of Ávila in Spain built? The 11th century
When was the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz? 1876-1911
When do Mexicans celebrate the anniversary of the battle of May 5th
Puebla?
What were the two Indian tribes that Columbus and other Arawaks and Caribes
explorers encountered in the Caribbean islands?
What famous explorer founded San Juan? Juan Ponce de León
In what century did the Moors take over southern Spain? The 8th century
What was the original name of the city of San Juan? Puerto Rico
What Spanish conquistador founded Cali, Colombia? Sebastián de Belalcázar
What main avenue in Mexico was built by Maximilian? Paseo de la Reforma
What city was founded in 1706 in New Mexico as a Spanish Albuquerque
faming community?
What century life style is shown in las Meninas? The 17th Century
What percentage of its territory did Mexico lose after the More than 50%
Mexican-American war?
Who was the president of Mexico during the revolution of Porfirio Díaz
1910?
What was the name of the white-skinned Aztec god? Quetzalcóatl
What famous Argentinean general fought for independence San Martín
in South America?
What revolutionary leader promoted the Mexican silk Miguel Hidalgo
industry?
What are the dates of both Mexican Independence Days? September 15th and 16th
What two animals appear on the Mexican flag? The eagle and serpent
Who ruled Spain after the death of Franco? The King Juan Carlos I
When did Francisco Pizarro arrive in Perú? 1524
What Mexican president nationalized the oil industry? Lázaro Cárdenas
Who founded the Borbón dynasty in Spain? Felipe V
Which king had the Escorial built? Felipe II
What treaty was signed by the United States and Mexico The Treaty of Guadalupe
after the Mexican-American war? Hidalgo
What sickly child grew to be a conqueror of Mexico? Hernán Cortés
Who was the daughter of king Fernando and queen Isabel? Juana “la Loca”
What ancient tribe of Mexico carved large stone heads? Olmecs
Where was the first book printed in the Western Mexico City
hemisphere?
When was the University of Salamanca founded? The XIII century
When were the pyramids and temples of the Aztecs built? Between the years of 300
and 650
What happened in Mexico after the Batalla de Cisteros? Another civil war started
How did Maximilian die? executed by a firing squad
Which Indian tribe in Mexico had Tula as their capital? Toltecs
What country was founded by Juan Pablo Duarte in 1844? the Dominican Republic
What was the name of the Mexican Indian who saw the Juan Diego
Virgin?
What country destroyed the Spanish Armada? England
When did Belize win its independence? 1981
Who was the President of Mexico by year 2002? Vicente Fox
What natural disaster destroyed a vast part of Central Huracán (hurricane) Mitch
America in 1998?
When was the Panama Canal inaugurated? 1914
When was the Nuevo Peso created in Mexico? 1991
What Mexican president was a Zapotec Indian? Benito Juárez
Who were the rulers who managed to expel the Moors from Los Reyes Católicos
Spain? Fernando e Isabel
For which king did Columbus claim the New World? Fernando
What group of people were the first to use arches in the Moors
architecture?
Name Columbus’ three ships. La Niña, la Pinta, and la
Santa María
What was Maximilian’s nationality? Austrian
In the Spanish American war, Spain lost which three Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the
countries? Philippines
Where did Simón Bolivar die? in Santa María, Colombia
When was El Cid Campeador national Spanish hero born? around 1043
When was the Tratado de Libre Comercio of Mexico, 1994
Canada, and the United States signed?
Who were Spain’s moriscos? Moslems converted to
Christianity
Which Spanish explorer conquered the Incan Empire? Francisco Pizzaro
What does “pre-Columbian” mean? before Columbus’ arrival
in the New World
Tikal is the ancient city built by what group of people? the Mayans
During what century was the Mexican-American war? the 19th century
Who were the Olmecs? an Indian tribe in Mexico
What city in Central America was leveled by an earthquake Guatemala City
in 1773?
In what year did Puerto Ricans become citizens of the in 1917
United States?
When was the metro of Mexico inaugurated? 1970
When did president Ernesto Zedillo take office? 1994
 Geography
What is the name of the highway that runs through North The Pan American
and South America? Highway
In which Mexican state is Chichén Itzá? Yucatán
In what country does the Amazon river begin? Perú
What is the largest fresh-water lake in South America? Lake Titicaca
What is the highest mountain peak in Mexico? The Pico de Orizaba
What is the capital of Argentina? Buenos Aires
What is the highest capital city in the world? La Paz, Bolivia
What is one of the Seven Wonders of the world located in The waterfalls of Iguazú
South America?
What is the second largest city in Mexico? Guadalajara
What percentage of Colombian territory has not been 55%
populated?
What strait is located between Spain and Morocco? Gibraltar
Where is the most famous Roman aqueduct in Spain? Segovia
What is unique about the gardens of Xochimilco? They float
What Mexican city is most famous for its sweets? Celaya
What is the river that forms part of the border of Mexico The Río Grande
and the United States?
What is Belize’s former name? British Honduras
Asunción is the capital city of which nation? Paraguay
What is the Mar del Plata in Argentina famous for? It is a resort in the Atlantic
Ocean
What countries share the waterfalls of Iguazú? Paraguay, Argentina, &
Brazil
What rivers are a natural border between Paraguay and Paraguay and Paraná
Argentina?
Which ocean borders Uruguay? Atlantic
Near what large Mexican city is Lake Chapala? Guadalajara
What is the longest river in Spain? Ebro
What small river runs through Madrid? The Manzanares
What is another name for the Río Bravo? Río Grande
Which sea borders Spain? The Mediterranean
Whre is the tourist attraction Punta del Este? Uruguay
Where is the tropical forest El Yunque located? In Puerto Rico
Where are the ruins of the Mayan cities of Chichén Itzá and Península de Yucatán
Uxmal?
What are the longest rivers in Colombia? Magdalena and Cauca
In what country is the lost city of Machu Picchu? Perú
Which country shares the Iberian peninsula with Spain? Portugal
Name one of Mexico’s three mountain ranges? Sierra Madre del Sur,
Sierra Madre Oriental,
Sierra Madre Occidental
What is the capital of Colombia? Bogotá
What mountain range stretches along the west coast of The Andes
South America?
What is the capital of Paraguay? Asunción
Where is the Irazú volcano? In Costa Rica
Which is the highest navigable lake in the world? Lake Titicaca
What is the capital of Honduras? Tegucigalpa
What are the names of the mountain ranges that cross Cordilleras Oriental,
Colombia? Occidental and Central
What is the Spanish archipelago to the southwest of Spain? The Canary Islands
What is the largest port in Spain? Barcelona
The city of Granada houses which Moorish fortress? The Alhambra
What is the national emblem of Guatemala? The quetzal bird
What is the most important archaeological place in Copán
Honduras?
Where is Volcán Puracé? In Colombia
Lake Titicaca is located between which two South Bolivia and Perú
American countries?
What is the largest river in Venezuela? Orinoco
Where is the widest avenue in the world? Buenos Aires, Argentina
San Juan is the capital of which Caribbean country? Puerto Rico
What is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere? Mexico City
What is the body of water between Baja California and The Gulf of California
Mexican mainland?
Quito is the capital of which South American country? Ecuador
What metal is mined near Taxco? Silver
What is the capital of Perú? Lima
Which is the smallest country in Central America? El Salvador
What is another name for the gulf of Maracaibo in Coquibacoa
Venezuela?
What makes Isla Kalahuta in Boliva a famous place? its stone tombs
What Spanish name does the capital of Haití have? Puerto Príncipe
What is the name of the rainforest plateau that covers one the Petén
third of Guatemala?
What is the largest city in Spain? Madrid
What is the largest country in Central America? Nicaragua
Near what U.S. city is Ciudad Juárez located? El Paso
What are the grasslands of Argentina called? Pampas
Which peninsula did the Mayan inhabit? Yucatán
Which lake holds the only fresh water shark in the world? Lake Nicaragua
Which two oceans are connected by the Panama Canal? Pacific and Atlantic
Which are the highest waterfalls in the world? Salto del Ángel in
Venezuela (3.212 feet)
Where in Spain is the city of Huelva located? in the Southwest
What is the capital of Costa Rica? San José
On which continent is Spain located? Europe
In what sea is Cuba located? Caribbean
What countries border Mexico? United States, Guatemala,
Belize
In what Mexican resort town would you be able to see Acapulco
spectacular cliff divers?
Name the mountain range that divides France and Spain. the Pyrenees
Where are the Galapagos islands? Ecuador
Where do Kuna Indians live? in Panama
Which park in El Salvador holds more than 400 different Parque El Imposible
kinds of trees?
Which countries border Nicaragua? Honduras and Costa Rica
Where in Spain is Kilómetro cero? in Madrid
In which country would you find the Atacama desert? Chile
What South American country is famous for gauchos? Argentina
In which North American city is Chapultepec Park? Mexico City
Which South American countries have no outlet to the sea? Bolivia and Paraguay
Which region in Spain is known as the land of flowers? Valencia
Which volcano is considered the highest active volcano in Cotopaxi (19.340 ft)
the world today?
If you go on vacation to Puerto Plata or La Romana República Dominicana
beaches, where in the Caribbean are you going?
What is the second largest city in Venezuela? Maracaibo
What common features do Mazatlán, Acapulco, and Puerto They are all resorts by the
Vallarta share? Pacific coast of Mexico.
In which Spanish region is the city of Toledo? New Castile
IN what country are the caves of Altamira located? Spain
What is the largest river in South America? Amazon
In which city is the Prado museum located? Madrid
What four states of the U.S. border Mexico? Texas, New Mexico,
Arizona, and California
What is the capital of the state of Yucatan, Mexico? Mérida
What was the capital of the Incan empire in Perú? Cuzco
Which country in Central America is called the land of lakes Nicaragua
and volcanoes?
What percentage of the total population of the Dominican 50%
Republic live in its capital, Santo Domingo?
Where do Tarahumas Indians live? Sierra Madre Occidental
in Mexico
 Famous People
What was the profession of Cantinflas? Mexican comedian
What famous Spanish writer was born in Granada, Spain? Federico García Lorca
When was Ricky Martin born? In 1971
Where is the romantic singer Luis Miguel from? Mexico
Who is the famous politician, actor, and musician from Rubén Blades
Panamá?
What was the prominent 20th century Spanish writer who García Lorca
was shot during the Civil War?
What Mexican-American led migrant workers to better César Chávez
conditions through the United Farm Workers?
How did Roberto Clemente die? In a plane crash
When and where was the popular Hispanic actor Edward Los Angeles, 1947
James Olmos born?
Which Hispanic golfer became one of the greater players in Lee Treviño
golf history?
What famous painter lived in Toledo, Spain? El Greco
Where is the famous writer Elena Poniatowska from? Mexico
Who is the writer, sculptor, and Catholic priest from Ernesto Cardenal
Nicaragua that has written more than 35 books?
Which dictator from Panamá was brought up on extradition General Manuel Noriega
charges and judged in the USA?
Who was the king of Spain after Franco? Juan Carlos
Who is the national hero of Spain? El Cid
What famous painter is considered French and Spanish? Pablo Picasso
Who was the first rookie in Dodger history to start on Mexican Fernando
opening day? Valenzuela
Who is Gloria Estefan’s husband? Emilio Estefan
Who was the dictator of Spain during World War II? Francisco Franco
Who was the first Latin American woman poet to win the Gabriela Mistral
Nobel Prize?
What female Hispanic singer won a Grammy in 1990? Celia Cruz
What scientist from Venezuela received the Nobel Prize for Baruj Benacerraf
medicine?
What Hispanic writer won the Nobel Prize for Literature in Gabriel García Márquez
1982? (Colombia)
Who led the Zapatistas in the Mexican Civil War? Emiliano Zapata
Who painted the horrors of the Spanish Civil War in the Pablo Picasso
famous mural “Guernica”?
During what century did St. Theresa of Avila live? The 16th century
Which two Hispanic singers got married to the music Mariah Carey and Thalía
industry tycoon Toomy Motola?
Which Hispanic lawyer was appointed by Clinton as a U.S. Federico Peña
Secretary of Transportation?
Who was the only full-blooded Indian to rule Mexico? Benito Juárez

Who were los Niños Héroes? The six boys who jumped
off the cliff at the military
academy during the
Mexican-American war
What important scientist did research on Galapagos Islands? Charles Darwin
Who was the first female Hispanic astronaut? Ellen Ochoa
When and where was baseball player Sammy Sossa born? Dominican Republic 1968
Which Spanish musician was a virtuoso playing the cello? Pablo Casals
What did Franco Nuñez de Balboa discover? The Pacific Ocean
La Mancha is home to what fictional characters? Don Quixote and Sancho
Panza
Where was social activist Cesar Chavez born? On a small farm near
Yuna, Arizona
In 2002 two young South Americans competed and excelled Rubens Barichello from
in the demanding Formula One World Championship. Who Brazil (second) and Juan
were they and what position did they finish? Pablo Montoya from
Colombia (third)
Who was the Venezuelan liberator of five south American Simón Bolivar
countries?
What was the profession of Joan Miró? Painter
Which famous American visited Cuba very frequently? Ernest Hemingway
Who was the first Hispanic astronaut who flew in a space The Peruvian Franklin
shuttle? Chang Diaz
Who is one of the most famous singers from the Dominican Juan Luis Guerra
Republic to “internationalize” meringue?
Who was Miguel Angel Asturias? An important writer form
Guatemala who received
the Nobel Prize in 1967
Who is the Patron Saint of Madrid? San Isidro
From whom do Nicaragua’s Sandinistas take their name? César Augusto Sandino
What famous Colombian doctor is doing research for NASA Doctor Rodolfo Llinás
on the mysteries of the human brain?
What Hispanic actor received the Best Actor Award from Raúl Julia
the National Board Review for his role in “Kiss of the
Spider Woman”?
What famous Puerto Rican female actress played in West Rita Moreno
Side Story?
Who was Roberto Clemente? a baseball player
Who were Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltasar? the Three Wise Kings
Which Hispanic President won the Nobel Peace Prize in Oscar Arias (Costa Rica)
1987?
Where was the famous Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes born? in Washington
Where is baseball player Orlando Rentería from? Colombia
What is the name of a famous North American bullfighter? John Fulton
Who is the spirit of the river who is always mourning the La Llorona
death of her children?
Who was the first Prime Minister under Juan Carlos in Adolfo Suárez González
Spain?
Which Hispanic was elected as U.S. Surgeon General in Doctor Antonia Novello
1989?
Which New Yorker from a Puerto Rican family became a Tito Puente
famous percussionist?
Who is the well-known blind singer from Puerto Rico? José Feliciano
What was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar’s nickname? El Cid
Where is the famous singer Thalia from? Mexico
Which Puerto Rican baseball player was elected to the Hall Roberto Clemente
of Fame of 1972?
Where is the tennis player Arantxa Sánchez Vicario from? Spain
Which South American soccer player was called “The Pelé
King”?
Who was the ruler of the Aztecs? Cuauhtemoc
What is Zorro’s secret identity? Don Diego
Where was Plácido Domingo born? Madrid
What is the name of the skillful Colombia player who wore Carlos Valderrama
a blond afro?
What nationality was Ferdinand Magallan? Portuguese
What do Orozco, Siquieros, and Rivera have in common? they were all Mexican
muralists
Where was the pop singer Shakira born? in Barranquilla, Colombia
(1977)
Where was the poet José Martí from? Cuba
Which famous female singer started with the Miami Sound Gloria Estefan
Machine?
Who was the Aztec emperor when Cortés conquered Moctezuma II
Mexico?
Where was the popular singer Gloria Trevi born? In Mexico
How did Pancho Villa die? in an ambush
What famous Hispanic man has reached fame and fortune in Oscar de la Renta
the fashion industry?
What Mexican actor starred in the ABC series “Fantasy Ricardo Montalbán
Island”?
What Nicaraguan leader was overthrown by the Sandinista Anastasio Somoza
National Liberation Front in 1979?
What Mexican artist painted murals in Detroit, New York, Diego Rivera
and San Francisco?
Julio Iglesias, the famous Spanish singer, has a son who is Enrique
also a singer. What is his name?
Which Mexican female painter was the wife of Diego Frida Kahlo
Rivera?
Who wrote “The House of the Spirits”? Isabel Allende (Chile)
What nationality was José de la Borda, the man who created French
a silver empire in the 18th century?
What famous Argentinean writer was almost blind? Jorge Luis Borges
Who invented mole poblano? a nun
What Hispanic man has had different news programs on Geraldo Rivera
national television?
Which famous Bolivian educator is depicted in the 1988 Jaime Escalante
film “Stand and Deliver”?
Who is Andrés Segovia? a famous guitar player
from Spain
Where was Gabriela Mistral from? Chile
Where was the Hispanic boxer Oscar de la Hoya born? in Los Angeles, California
Which Spanish movie director won an Oscar for the movie Pedro Almodóvar
“All about my mother”?
Where was the famous baseball player Fernando Valenzuela in Mexico
born?
Who was la Malinche? an Indian princess given to
Cortés who also served as
his translator
Where was Rubén Darío from? Nicaragua
What Cuban writer wrote “Mambo King Play Songs of Oscar Hijuelos
Love”?
Where was the famous actor Anthony Quinn born? Chihuahua, Mexico
What famous Colombian artist has had his obese sculptures Fernando Botero
exhibited in places like Champs Elysses in Paris and Fifth
Avenue in New York?
 Food & Drink
What is the word for sandwich in Mexico and Spain? Torta in Mexico and
bocadillo in Spain
What are gambas in Spain? Camarones (shrimp)
What are the ingredients of ají de gallina? Chicken and almonds
What is the unusual ingredient in the sauce of mole Chocolate
poblano?
What is the most common type of oil used in Spanish Olive oil
cooking?
When are marzipan animals sold? Christmas, Easter, and
other festivals
What is menudo? Giblets, tripe soup
When do many Hispanic people eat a Roscón de Reyes? January 6
Where did paella become a specialty? Valencia, Spain
What is the meat used for “tacos al pastor” in Mexico? Pork roast
What is a barbecue called in Argentina? Parrillada
From what ingredient are the candies “yemas” made? Egg yolks
What is the flavor of “alioli” sauce? Garlic
What are the two main ingredients of “arroz con pollo”? Rice and chicken
What drink is often served with “churros”? Hot chocolate
What are “tapas”? Appetizers
In Spain a “tinto” is red wine. What is “tinto” in Colombia? A small cup of expresso
coffee
What is a “guanábana”? A tropical fruit
What is ice cream called in Mexico? Nieve (snow)
Where does the word barbecue come from? Barbacoa (Caribbean
Indians)
What are the main ingredients of a tortilla Española? Eggs and potatoes
What is a tortilla Española? Potato omelet
What would you buy at a lechería? Dairy products
What food product is a major commodity in Argentina? Beef
What type of soup do Spanish people attribute to healing Garlic soup
powers?
What is agua de Jamaica made from? A special kind of hibiscus
blossoms
What is the name of an egg custard of Mexico and Spain? Flan
What is a “riojano”? Wine from the area of “La
Rioja”, Spain
What is a banana called in Mexico? Plátano
What is the Mexican version of fried “eggs sunny side up”? Huevos estrellados
What are boquerones in Spain? Small sardines served as
tapas
What is the main ingredient of guacamole? Avocado
What spice is used in Spanish hot chocolate? Cinnamon
What is the name of the Mexican candy made from white Camotes (de Puebla)
sweet potato?
What are the two main staples of the Mexican diet? Corn and beans
How much pork do the best types of Spanish chorizo have? As much as 95%
What is a typical dish in Guatemala to celebrate Christmas Stuffed Turkey
and New Year?
What are sweet potatoes called in Mexico? Camotes
Where is Ají de gallina from? Perú
What is the main ingredient in the soup “pozole”? Corn
What is ceviche? Raw fish or shrimps
marinated in lime sauce
When do you say “Buen provecho”? Mealtime
What is the equivalent of tortillas in Colombia? Arepas
What is a paella? A rice dish with chicken
and shellfish
What is gazpacho? A cold vegetable soup
from Andalucía
What is a manchego? A famous Spanish cheese
from the region known as
La Mancha
What do people call fast food in Hispanic countries? comida chatarra
What city is known as “Green Chile” capital of the world? Hatch, New Mexico
Where does the word chocolate come from? Nahuatl (indigenous
Mexican language)
What is gaseosa? a soft drink
From what nut is the drink horchata made? almonds or ground melon
seeds
In what were tamales wrapped? Corn or banana leaves
What would you buy in a Puerto Rican botánica? herbs and cures
What is turrón? nougat
What country is the second exporter of coffee in the world? Colombia
What is the main ingredient of a paella marinera? seafood
What does the word ixim mean in many Mayan languages? corn
Who first introduced the olive to Spain? the Phoenicians
What is pepita? pumpkin seed
What part of the pumpkin has been used since Pre- the seeds
Columbian times as a base for sauces?
What part of the egg is the yema? yolk
What is used as a topping for flan? a caramel sauce
Where is Arepa de Huevo a culinary tradition? Venezuela
Where are there fights with tomatoes every year? Festival de la Tomatina in
Buñol, Spain
If you order a churrasco in Argentina, what would you be a steak
served?
What are chicharrones? fried pork skins
When would a person eat a merienda? in the afternoon
What are nopales? an edible cactus used in
salads and as a hot
vegetable
What is sold at a pastelería? fancy cakes and sweets
Where is jamón serrano from? Spain
Where is the largest enchilada made every first weekend in Las Cruces, New Mexico
October?
What is the name for small black beans in Venezuela? caraotas
What country has the highest percentage of beef intake per Uruguay (80 kilograms
capita in the world? per capita)
What is the fabada? bean soup with pork, ham,
and sausage
What is the main ingredient of the drink atole? corn
Why is no meat served on Fridays of Lent in many Hispanic Catholic custom
countries?
Who founded Mexico’s first vineyard? Hernán Cortés
What is zarzuela? a spicy shellfish stew
If you order pulpo in a Hispanic restaurant, what would you octopus
be served?
 Sports & Arts
What nun is colonial Mexico’s best remembered poet? Juana Inés de la Cruz
Who had Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes built? Porfirio Díaz
What hand instrument accompanies many Spanish dances? Castañuelas

What is Spain’s most famous soccer team? Real Madrid

Who wrote the novel “Cien años de soledad”? Gabriel García Márquez
Who developed a style of painting known as “Cubismo”? Pablo Picasso
How many gold pieces are exhibited in the Museum of Gold 30,000
in Bogotá?
What museum has the biggest collection of gold artifacts in Museo del Oro in Bogotá
the world?
When did Pablo Neruda receive the Nobel? 1971
What Mexican muralist made a famous mural in Diego Rivera
Philadelphia?
What game is played on a court called a “frontón”? Jai alai
What is another name for the sport jai alai? Pelota Vasca
What Hispanic was nicknamed “mano de roca” (hand of Roberto Durán
rock)?
What object do Indians in Mexico make to protect their Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye)
homes?
What was Don Quixote’s name for Aldonza? Dulcinea
Who is the only South American who has won La Vuelta de Luis (Lucho) Herrera
España? (Colombia)
For what big league team did Orlando Hernánde “The New York Yankees
Duke” play in 1999 and 2000?
Who is Ecuador’s most famous artist? Oswaldo Guayasamín
Who was Vicente Huidrobo? A famous poet from Chile
Who received the award as the Rookie of the Year in Juan Pablo Montoya from
formula one in 2001? Colombia
What color is the famous pottery from Oaxaca? Black
What is the most famous museum in Spain? El Prado
What is the home stadium of the Spanish soccer team Real Santiago Bernabeu
Madrid?
In what country did guitars originate? Spain
What is a tuna? A group of musicians who
wear medieval costumes
What is Milonga? A rhythm similar to tango
In what sport has the Argentinean Gabriela Sabatini Tennis
succeeded?
Where is Feria Artesanal de Barranquitas celebrated every Puerto Rico
year?
What was Rubén Daríos first work? Azul
Who was the coach of the soccer team of Ecuador in 2002? Francisco Maturana
Who wears an outfit called “suit of lights”? A matador
What is a fandango? A type of Spanish dance
What is the profession of Jesulín de Urique? Bullfighter
What lures most sportsmen to Costa Rica? Fishing
What is the song “Adelita” about? Women from Mexican
revolution
Which South American soccer player has the nickname of Diego Maradona
“El Pelusa”? (Argentina)
Who painted the famous masterwork Las Meninas? Diego Velásquez
What are moai? The gigantic sculptures
found on Easter Island in
Chile
Where was the fortress known as El Morro built? San Juan, Puerto Rico
Who won the South American Soccer Cup in 2002? Colombia
Who was the Spanish writer who wrote “Platero y yo” and Juan Ramón Jiménez
won the Nobel Prize in 1956?
What famous piece of Iberian sculpture is found in Madrid’s La Dama de Elche
Prado museum?
What style of architecture do you find in southern Spain? Arabic or Moorish
What country was the site of the soccer World Cup in 1970 Mexico
and 1986?
What style of painting is Dalí famous for? Surrealism
Which South American formula One racer won several Juan Manuel Fangio
world championships? (Argentina)
What Hispanic car racer is competing with excellence in Juan Pablo Montoya
Formula 1? (Colombia)
Who was Amado Nervo? A modernist Mexican poet
What was Sor Juana Inéd the famous Mexican writer’s real Inés de Asbaje y Ramírez
name?
Who is Pedro “El Perico” Delgado? A Spanish cyclist
What is the most popular sport in Mexico? soccer
Who was the court painter for Felipe II? Diego Rodriguez de Silva
y Velásquez
Where World you find the ancient paintings in Altamira, in a cave
Spain?
What artist is famous for his painting of Toledo? El Greco
During which century did Picasso paint most of his work? 20th
Where is the soccer team “Las Chivas Rayadas” from? Mexico
What Spanish cyclist won the “Tour de France” five times? Miguel Induráin
When did the Mexican intellectual José Vanconcelos live? 1882-1959
How did the famous Argentinean poet Alfonsina Storni die? she committed suicide
once she was told she had
cancer
Where are the lines of Nazca? Perú
What is the guapango? a huastec (Mexican-
 Indian) dance or song
In what year was the world soccer championship in Spain? 1982
In what year were the Olympic games held in Mexico City? 1968
Where did Tango originate? Argentina
What is a southwestern bulto? a religious carving in
wood
What sports are practiced in National Park of Villarica in skiing and snowboarding
Chile?
Which famous Spanish golf player is known as “el niño”? Sergio García
Who painted Emiliano Zapata and his horse in a famous Diego Rivera
mural in Cuernavaca?
What are the lines of Nazca? gigantic mysterious lines
carved on the Nazca desert
in Perú
Which Hispanic received honors from President Reagan’s Luis Valdez (playwright)
Committed on the Arts and Humanities in 1983?
What Hispanic writer is considered the greatest master of a Rubén Darío (Nicaragua)
poetic movement known as modernismo?
Who was the famous Spanish author of the book Niebla? Miguel de Unamuno
Who was Luis Buñuel? a Spanish film director
What is the fastest-moving sport in the world? jai alai
What is the bullfighter’s greatest honor? to receive both ears and
the tail of the bull
Who wrote the famous novel “Como Agua para Laura Esquivel (Mexico)
Chocolate”?
In what years did Uruguay win the Soccer World Cup? in 1930/1950
Which Mexican muralist painted the famous mural “Marcha David Alfaro Siqueiros
de la humanidad” and spent four years to complete it?
Which South American soccer team participated in the Ecuador
World Cup for the first time in 2002?
Who wrote “House on Mango Street”? Sandra Cisneros
What is a charreada? rodeo
What is depicted in Diego Rivera’s mural in the National Mexican history
Palace?
Why was Cervantes known as el Manco de Lepanto? because he lost an arm in
the battle of Lepanto
Who painted El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz? El Greco
Who is Maribel Atienza? a famous female
bullfighter from Spain
Which country hosted the first Soccer World Cup? Uruguay (1930)
When does the famous Dominican Republic “El Carnaval” in February or March
take place?
Which Mexican artist painted a mural in Dartmouth College Juan Clemente Osorio
in New Hampshire?
What monument can you find in front of the cathedral of monument of Cristobal
Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic? Colón
Who was the first tennis player of South America ever to Pancho Segura from
win one of the world major men’s single titles? Ecuador
What Pre-Columbian relic is the most-visited exhibit at the the Aztec calendar
Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City?
What is teatro de marionetas? puppet theatre
What was the Football War? 1969 conflict between El
Salvador and Honduras
ignited by hotly contested
soccer matches
What is La Vuelta en España? the most important bicycle
race in Spain
Where is merengue music from? Dominican Republic
Where is the Festival of Teatro Cervantino celebrated every In Guanajuato, Mexico
year?
What was the total Hispanic population in the USA by 33 million
2000?
Where was Pablo Neruda from? Chile
Where was the painter Oswaldo Guayasamín from? Ecuador
In what sport did the Dominican Mary Joe Fernández excel? tennis
 Life
The bear and the tee are the symbols of what Spanish city? Madrid
What is the term for a person of Mexican origin who is born Chicano (a)
in the United States?
During which month is the day of the Dead celebrated? November
In Spain, what is June 24 referred to as? Noche de San Juan
What does the green stand for in the Mexican flag? Independence
Which Hispanic country has the largest Protestant Mexico
population?
What is the currency of Panama? El Balboa
Where is the musical rhythm called “La cumbia” from? Colombia
Where is Joropo danced? In Venezuela
Which Hispanic country abolished the army? Costa Rica
How do you say “I am cold” in Quechua language? Achachay
What is sung on a person’s birthday in Mexico? Las Mañanitas
What is the general name of a place where fish is sold? Pescadería
What do you call a soap opera in Spanish? A telenovela
What does it mean when Hispanics tap their elbows with They are indicating that
their hands? someone is stingy
What are the colors in Bolivia’s flag? Red, yellow, and green
Which language is closer to Spanish in many aspects? Portuguese
From which Mexican town did Father Miguel Hidalgo Y Querétaro
Costilla issue his grito of revolt?
What is Cueca? A folkloric dance from
Chile
When did Child start its wine industry? XVI century
What is the season in Argentina in December? Summer
What is the religious affiliation of most Hispanic people? Catholic
What is the national airline of Spain? Iberia
El Bachillerato Clásico is a system of education comparable High School
to what institution in America?
Where is Festival Internacional de Poesía held? Medellín, Colombia
What are the colors in Colombia’s flag? Yellow, blue, and red
People from Puerto Rico are North American citizens but Vote in presidential
are not allowed to do what? elections
What percentage of people in Argentina is of European 85%
blood?
What is the name of the oldest airline company in Avianca
Colombia?
What is the AVA in Spain? High speed train system
Guagua is the name given to buses in Cuba and Puerto Rico. An animal
What is a guagua in Colombia?
Why do some Spanish people eat 12 grapes at midnight on For good luck
New Year’s Eve?

What is a quinceañera party? A party to celebrate the

15th birthday of women
What are “tertulias”? Afternoon discussions at a
local café
What is the Spanish word for a spoken compliment to Piropo
women?
What does the white stand for in the Mexican flag? Religion
What does Panamá mean? Place of lots of fish
What has been the most devastating earthquake ever The earthquake of Chile
recorded? on May 22, 1960 (9.5
Richter)
Where do people listen to and dance Vallenato music? On the Atlantic coast of
Colombia
Where do people use “totora reed” boats? In Suriqui Island in
Bolivia
What does the acronym TFI stand for? Tropical Forestry
Initiative (it takes care of
forests in Costa Rica)
What is La Noche Vieja? New Year’s Eve
What is RENFE in Spain? The Spanish railroad
system
What do you add to the end of a Spanish noun to show Ito or ita
friendliness or affection?
What South American dictator was imprisoned in Europe? General Pinochet (Chile)
When would you be able to see a Passion Play in Mexico? During Holy Week
What is known as the “Inti Raymi” festival? The festival of sun in Perú
What is the national flower of Colombia? Orchid
What is the nickname given to people from Costa Rica? Ticos
What is the biggest Mayan city known as of today? Tikal (in Guatemala)
What festival is celebrated in Pamplona, Spain in July? the running of the bulls
What are the colors of the Argentinean flag? light blue and white
When is the Holy Week celebrated in Spain? the week before Easter
What does a Guatemalan refer to with the word patojo? a young kid
What vegetables are carved and judged at a festival in radishes
Oaxaca?
During which month is the Day of the Dead celebrated? November
What would you buy in a panadería? bread
Which African country has Spanish as an official language? Equatorial Guinea
Which country in South America is the first exporter of Bolivia
aluminum to the world?
What is the name of the most famous festival in Bolivia? la Diablada
What languages are spoken in Bolivia? Spanish, Aimará, Quechua
What is El Escorial? a palace and monastery
El Día de los Santos Inocentes is equivalent to what April Fools Day
American Day?
What animal is a symbol of good luck to the Mexicans? the pig
How do Mexicans call a blond person? güero(a)
How long is a member of the Spanish parliament in office? four years
Where is Malapé danced? Pacific coast of Colombia
According to the Guinness record, which is the longest word superextraordinarísimo
in Spanish? (the most
superextraordinary)
Which is the biggest university in Madrid? Universidad Complutense
(more than 120.000
students)
What religious holiday is celebrated in Mexico on Día de la Virgen de
December 12? Guadalupe
What can you watch in Guerrero Negro, Baja California whales
during some months?
What is a meztizo? a person with Spanish and
Indian blood
What was the Quiché Indians’ famous literary work? Popul Vuh
What is a charro? a Mexican cowboy
How do Venezuelans call a blond person? catiro(a)
How many days do posadas last? nine
When is Día de los Reyes Magos celebrated in Hispanic January 6
countries?
What city in Colombia has the most modern transportation Medellín (el Metro)
system in South America?
What is the name given to the neighborhood in Miami Pequeña Habana
where most businesses belong to Cuban immigrants?
Where in South America is Guaraní spoken? Paraguay
What is the equivalent of “Kick the bucket” in Spanish”? Estirar la pata
What is a zócalo? the central plaza in a
Mexican city
What is a parador? a castle converted into a
hotel
What miniature dog originated in Mexico? the Chihuahua
When in December do Las Posadas begin? December 16
According to a Spanish saying, if you keep your mouth shut, flies
what cannot enter?
What is the name of a guitar-like musical instrument made charango
with the back of an armadillo?
What is the nickname given to the residents of Buenos Porteños
Aires, Argentina?
Name two states with more than one million Hispanic California, Texas, Florida,
inhabitants. Illinois
How long is the celebration of San Fermín in Spain? one week (July 7-14)
What male Colombian singer received two Latino Grammys Carlos Vives
in 2002?
What is the role of the curandera? to heal people with herbs
and plants
What is the name in Spanish of the poinsettia? Flor de Nochebuena
What is El Rastro? a flea market in Madrid
Which Spanish-speaking country has the largest Jewish Argentina
population?
What is the significance of the kilómetro cero? All distances in Spain are
measured from that point
What animals from Perú are related to the camel? llamas, alpacas, guanacos,
and vicuñas
What does the quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala, freedom
symbolize?
What is the name given to a person from the region of Catalán
Cataluña in Spain?
What makes the city of Santiago de Atitlán in Guatemala a its wonderful weavings
famous place? (maravillosos tejidos)
What is the name for AIDS in Spanish? SIDA (Síndrome de
Inmuno Deficiencia
Adquirida)