What are cascarones and why are they popular?
In addition to Easter, cascarones have become popular for occasions including birthdays, New Year's, Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, Dieciséis, Day of the Dead, and weddings. Wedding cascarones can be filled with rice. Like many popular traditions in Mexico, cascarones are increasingly popular in the southwestern United States.
What is the plural of cascarones?
Cascarones is the plural of cascarón, which in Spanish means eggshell. Across the Southwest, and most prevalent during Fiesta de San Antonio each April, cascarones are emptied eggshells, which are then cleaned, dried and brightly decorated, and finally filled with confetti and resealed with tissue paper. During celebrations,...
What does it mean to crack A cascarón?
Being cracked with a cascarón is supposed to bring good luck and is considered a sign of affection! I have many fond childhood memories of chasing friends and cousins with them on Easter, during Fiesta and at various school festivals. Cascarones allegedly originated in China, where they were filled with powders.
How do I make cascarones?
Cascarones are usually made during Easter time. In order to make cascarones, one can use a pin or knife to break a hole in the end of the eggshell and pour the contents out. The shell is then cleaned out, decorated as desired, and allowed to dry, before it is filled with confetti or a small toy.
What is the reason for cascarones?
For many Texas families, cascarones are a staple in their children's Easter baskets. These colorful and painstakingly handmade confetti eggs have just one purpose: to be smashed on someone's head.
Where are cascarones used?
The magic of cascarones is widely known throughout Latin America as an innocent way of playing a prank on your loved ones during various holidays and festivities. Cascarones are confetti filled eggshells that are decorated with bright colors and covered with tissue paper.
What is the meaning of cascarones?
Cascarones are empty egg shells that have been colored, filled with paper confetti, and sealed with a piece of colorful tissue paper. They were named after the Spanish word for shell: “cáscara.” They're typically used around Easter and fiestas, but are a festive addition to any party.
What actions involving the cascarones bring good luck?
These are cascarones, a longtime Latino tradition dating to the turn of the century that involves hollowed-out, confetti-filled eggs that some believe bring good luck. The good luck begins when the egg is lightly smashed on an unwitting person's head.
How much do cascarones cost?
The Cascaron Store sells cartons by the dozen for $5.50 each and “large bags” with an unspecified number of cascarones for $37 each, according to the store's website. Cascarones sold by Amols' go for $3.59 per dozen.
How do you play cascarones?
0:182:31Cascarones! A Fiesta Tradition Like No Other - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen. There's a pop your head that's it. Yeah that was the one just be gentle be gentle right don'tMoreThen. There's a pop your head that's it. Yeah that was the one just be gentle be gentle right don't stop hit people and don't go after the mayor don't go after the mayor.
What does it mean when a cascarón is broken over someone's head?
It's an old Mexican-American tradition. You take some confetti eggs…and crack them on someone's head! It's meant to bring good luck to the person you crack it on. They're called cascarones, which means “shell hits.”
What happens if a cascarón is broken over your head?
At traditional cascarones parties, the eggs are hidden. Once found, they are crushed over the heads of partygoers. Getting an egg broken over your head is supposed to mean good luck. It also means confetti pieces stuck in your hair, but that's a small price to pay for the added Easter egg-citement.
Are confetti eggs a Texas thing?
The colorful, confetti-filled eggs are a staple of the annual festivities and Easter in south Texas, and people from across the city take part in making, selling, and joyfully destroying the eggs as part of the tradition.
Why do we crack eggs on Easter?
Although eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility and rebirth, in Christianity, for the celebration of Eastertide, Easter eggs symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus, from which Jesus was resurrected.
What does a rabbit have to do with Easter?
The exact origins of the Easter bunny are clouded in mystery. One theory is that the symbol of the rabbit stems from pagan tradition, specifically the festival of Eostre—a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny. Rabbits, known for their energetic breeding, have traditionally symbolized fertility.
Are confetti eggs real eggs?
Made with real egg shells painted in bright colors and filled with multicolored paper confetti. Confetti eggs are completely biodegradable.
Are confetti eggs a Texas thing?
The colorful, confetti-filled eggs are a staple of the annual festivities and Easter in south Texas, and people from across the city take part in making, selling, and joyfully destroying the eggs as part of the tradition.
Where did cascarones originate?
The History of Cascarones The idea was first seen in Asia and later brought to Italy by the explorer Marco Polo. The eggs were often given as gifts and were filled with perfumed powder. The custom then traveled to Spain and was later brought to Mexico in the mid-1800s by Emperor Maximilian's wife.
How do you pronounce cascarones?
kahs. - kah. - rohn.kas. - ka. - ɾon.cas. - ca. - rón.
What are Cascarone eggs?
Cascarones are empty egg shells that have been colored, filled with paper confetti, and sealed with a piece of colorful tissue paper. They were named after the Spanish word for shell: "cáscara." They're typically used around Easter and Carnaval time, but are a festive addition to any party.
What is the purpose of cascarones por la vida?
Now an organization, Cascarones Por La Vida assists families affected by the disease by selling the hand-painted, confetti-filled eggshells. They provide food, baby formula, winter coats, and taxi rides. Often, when parents are too weak to walk, drive, or take the bus, the program provides transportation. On occasion, the program has also assisted with burial expenses. Firmly established in Philadelphia, Cascarones Por La Vida has become an annual event awaited with anticipation by kids and adults alike, as the dour winter doldrums are left behind and the colorful spring cascarones appear. High school students and senior citizens volunteer to help prepare thousands of cascarones each year. The original contents of the eggs are donated to shelters and other food providers, but the fun-filled cascarones are sold at school and church festivals to fundraiser for local HIV/AIDS organizations.
Where did the cascarones come from?
The Spanish settlers likely brought the tradition of the cascarones to Nuevo Santander, as this region of Northern Mexico and South Texas was called. For the past few weeks, Bueli, my grandmother, has been collecting the eggshells from our morning breakfasts.
When was Cascarones Por La Vida created?
In Philadelphia, where she moved to study art and pursue her career, she created an annual celebration called Cascarones Por La Vida. Established in 1992 during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the idea was to raise funds to assist patients while also reinforcing a positive image of the Mexican community.
Where is the Festival de Cascarones?
Innovative use of the tradition continues. Eight years ago, Texas A&M University in San Antonio began hosting the annual Festival de Cascarones, a celebration with live music and family-friendly activities. Thus, we see the cascarones take on yet one more transformation.
Do cascarones go in the basket?
But the cascarones are not in the basket. They are set aside to be hidden around the picnic site so we kids can look for them and break them on each other’s heads—or even on a favorite aunt’s head who will regañar (nag) and call us huercos malcriados (spoiled kids). Her laughter undermines the severity of the scolding.
What is a cascarone?
Cascarones is the plural of cascarón, which in Spanish means eggshell. Across the Southwest, and most prevalent during Fiesta de San Antonio each April, cascarones are emptied eggshells, which are then cleaned, dried and brightly decorated, and finally filled with confetti and resealed with tissue paper. During celebrations, party-goers crack the eggs over each other, raining colorful confetti all over the recipient.
Where did Cascarones come from?
Cascarones allegedly originated in China, where they were filled with powders. The explorer, Marco Polo, brought them back to Italy, along with the piñata, in the late 13th century. During the Italian Renaissance, gentlemen filled the empty eggshells with perfumes and scented powders and gave them as gifts to their beloveds. Making surprise-filled eggs eventually traveled from Italy, to Austria, France and eventually Spain.
What does it mean when you crack a cascaron?
Being cracked with a cascarón is supposed to bring good luck and is considered a sign of affection! I have many fond childhood memories of chasing friends and cousins with them on Easter, during Fiesta and at various school festivals.
Where can I buy cascarone eggs in San Antonio?
If you live in San Antonio, you can buy cascarones just about anywhere, especially during the Spring, and year-round at El Mercado, the Mexican market downtown. You can buy a dozen for $2-3. But for those of us living in regions where most have never heard of these fun confetti-filled eggs, you likely have to make your own.
When did the cascarones come back to Texas?
Fiesta is a 10-day citywide party in San Antonio that commemorates when Texas won its independence from Mexico by defeating Santa Ana at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Fiesta begins the Friday before April 21st and continues on through the following weekend, with a packed schedule of parades, neighborhood festivals, carnivals, Fiesta royalty and more. Fiesta officially commences each year with the cracking of a cascarone!
Making Cascarones
Cascarones are made by collecting eggs, dying them (optional), filling them with confetti or glitter, and cutting tissue paper into small squares, and squirting glue along the outside upper edge, and covering the hole with tissue paper. In order to make a cascarone, plenty of eggs, confettu, tissue paper, and glue are required.
History
Cascarones originated in China, with the idea first seen in Asia. Cascarones were brought to Italy and to Spain by an explorer called Marco Polo. Cascarones were often used as gifts and perfume powder was replaced by confetti in Mexico.
What are Cascarones used for?
Cascarones are colorfully decorated chicken eggshells filled with confetti. Traditionally, families color the eggs using food dye, though some may choose to paint them instead.
Why do Mexicans use cascarones?
Today, Mexicans still use cascarones to celebrate special holidays like Carnaval (Carnival before Lent), Dia de los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, and most commonly, Easter. Given the proximity of Texas to Mexico, this Mexican tradition quickly spread to border towns in the U.S. and other parts of the Southwest.
How to make a cascarone out of a confetti egg?
Filling the Eggs. After the eggs have fully dried on the inside, fill the eggs about 1/3 full of confetti. Cut tissue paper into 2-inch squares or circles. Then apply glue around the edge of the eggshell opening, and cover with tissue paper. Let the tissue paper dry for 5-10 minutes before using your cascarones.
Where did the cascaron originate?
The cascarón has roots in Asia where eggs were filled with scented powder and given as gifts, presumably to affluent women. The tradition then spread throughout Europe, thanks in part to Marco Polo, as legend has it.
Where does the word "cascaron" come from?
The name cascarón (singular) comes from the Spanish word “cascara” which means skin, peel, or shell.
Can you crack a cascarone?
Yes, there is a right and wrong way to crack cascarones. Take it from my decades of experience! As a show of mercy, always crush the eggshell in your hand before smothering it on the recipient’s head. Smashing the egg directly on someone’s head is painful and may require several knocks to break the shell open.
What are Cascarones?
These brightly colored and decorative chicken eggs, sometimes resembling an animal, person or object, are hollowed out. Next they are filled with confetti and sometimes tiny toys.
Cascarones in the Marketplace
The tradition of cascarones creates a source of revenue for many people. Locals make them in large quantities by hand and sell them on the streets and in marketplaces. They can be found during lent and leading up to Easter.
How to Buy Cascarones
You usually buy cascarones by the bag. I have seen small, medium, large, and jumbo bags in the marketplace. When I first saw the jumbo bag, I couldn’t imagine smashing that many eggs. However, once you start playing, they go really fast. So, be sure to buy an adequate amount.
Children and the Tradition of Cascarones
In Mexico and Guatemala, the tradition of cascarones is mostly used during Carnival. However, they have also become a popular Easter tradition in many countries. For children, cascarones are part of the Carnival and Fat Tuesday fun. It allows their inner “brat” to arise, prior to settling down for Lent.
Making Cascarones
Cascarones are made by inserting a pin or needle into the end of an egg and emptying its contents. Once the egg is dry, it is filled with confetti. Then it is sealed with glue and a bit of tissue paper to cover the hole.
How to Use Cascarones
Traditionally during Carnival, cascarones are smashed over the heads of unsuspecting children and adults alike. It leaves their heads covered in colorful confetti and eggshells. It is hard to get the mixture out of your hair. Most people are covered in pica pica all day! The streets become a sea of colored sparkle.
VISIT GUATEMALA
A cascarones war ensued. It is amazing how fast we went through an entire bag of eggshells! Next time, I will definitely stock up better! I spent the remainder of the day with eggshells and colored confetti sparkling in my hair. Antigua Guatemala during Carnival is definitely a bucket list worthy item.
Step 1: Materials Needed
You Will Need: -At least a dozen empty egg shells (of course, the more eggs the better!) -paper confetti -glue -tissue paper -egg dying kit (optional)
Step 2: Creating the Empty Egg
The first step is to collect enough eggs. Usually I save the eggs over several weeks from cooking. Instead of cracking the egg in the middle, it is VERY IMPORTANT to crack the egg at the top to create a very small hole.
Step 3: Dye Eggs
Dying the cascarones is fun for the kids and gives the eggs a more festive look. But, it's completely optional. Let the eggs dry before stuffing them with confetti.
Step 4: Fill Eggs With Confetti
This step is pretty simple, just stuff all the eggs with confetti. I tried getting my 4 year old niece to help me, but she got bored pretty quickly. The only step she had fun doing was dying the eggs.... and of course breaking them on my head at the end.
Step 5: Tissue Paper
First, you'll need to cut the tissue paper into small squares. Make sure the square is big enough to fit over the hole. Next, squirt glue all along the outside rim of the hole. Finally, cover the hole with the tissue paper square.
Confetti Eggs
It seems kind of funny to stuff painted eggshells with confetti, but it’s actually a very cool tradition! Cascarones gained popularity in Mexico in the 1860s, and now they are commonly used during Carnival (also known as Carnaval, celebrated in late February/early March).
How to Make Cascarones
Start by hollowing out your eggs. Wash and dry your eggs first if needed. This will be much harder to do once the eggs are hollow, so if you got them from your own yard, now is the time.
Cascarones
Learn how to make cascarones with this tutorial. These confetti eggs are perfect for birthday, graduation, wedding, or any other party or holiday.
