A Dark Day: The Massacre of Tlatelolco Quiz

Answer: October 2, 1968

On July 22, 1968, a fight started at a college football game. The police invaded both universities, followed by the Mexican army, and remained there until October 1. A day later, horror would fill the country.

Answer: The Olympics

Ironically, the 1968 Mexico Olympics were named the "Olympics of Peace". At the opening demonstrators waved black handkerchiefs shaped like a pigeon to protest against the killings.

Answer: Gustavo Diaz Ordaz

At the time, Luis Echeverria was the head of the Ministry of Interior (SEGOB or Secretaria de Gobernacion), and he became the President in 1970. In 2006, a Mexican Federal Judge placed Echeverria under house arrest for the crime of genocide. It was the first time in the history of Mexican justice that a former President was punished; but he was later released.

Answer: Plaza de las Tres Culturas

Also known as "La Plaza de Tlatelolco" (The Square of Tlatelolco), the 'Square of the Three Cultures' was the scene of the tragedy. The building was home to the headquarters of the SRE (Secretariat of Foreign Relations) until 2005.

Answer: The military (army)

It is said that a helicopter threw two flares and the soldiers thought it was the students attacking them. They opened fire, starting what would be a day that would stay in the country's memory forever.

Answer: 200-300 people

Sadly, approximately 300 people died, although the government reported at first only 40-50 deaths. Witnesses who were there as protesters say they saw certainly more than 50 bodies.

Answer: True

In 2005 the BBC reported on the complicity of the CIA and also that there were 200-300 deaths. The bodies were quickly transported out of the square in garbage trucks. The Mexican government had expressed their concerns about safety at the Olympics to the CIA.

Answer: Fiscalía Especial para Movimientos Sociales y Políticos del Pasado

The "Fiscalía Especial para Movimientos Sociales y Políticos del Pasado", Spanish for "Special Secretariat for Social and Political Movements from the Past", was created by President Vicente Fox in 2005. This organization was the one who ordered the arrest of Echeverria.

Answer: November 8, 2011

On November 8, 2011, the Congress of the Union declared October 2 a National Mourning Day because of the massacre. The Mexican flag must be flown at half-staff that day. It is the only yearly national day of mourning in Mexico, although the President may declare a national mourning day when he thinks it is necessary.

Answer: The Night of Tlatelolco

More than ten books have appeared about the massacre. Poniatowska's title is now how many people refer to the tragedy, the "Night of Tlatelolco".