An Egg-Cellent Idea

Cascarones have been a tradition of Fiesta since long before I was a child. Made of hollowed eggs filled with confetti, they are cracked on other people's heads as a fun (and often surprising) gesture. They are (usually) a fantastic and glorious treat for both 'cracker' and 'recipient.'

For such a small object, the cascarone evokes a huge affect. They are usually around when some sort of celebration is going on, so times are happy.

In San Antonio, cascarones are readily available on street corners, in shops and in local grocery stores starting around Easter time and going through Fiesta (the end of April). If you aren't lucky enough to be in South Texas during that time, you can easily make your own.

I'm sorry that I don't have visual directions to accompany this post, but the steps are very straightforward (albeit a bit messy). If you don't have access to a prepacked egg dye kit, you can easily make your own egg dye. See below for what else you'll need to get started.

Battle of the Blooms

Today is the Battle of Flowers Parade. The first one was held in 1836 in commemoration of the fallen soldiers at the Battle of the Alamo and the tradition is still going strong. Schools, banks and offices throughout San Antonio close so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the day's festivities. There are a variety of participants: high school bands, musicians, members of community organizations, local celebrities, politicians and, of course, Fiesta royalty. It is a fun-filled, family-oriented event.

This is a great place to don a festive outfit. However, because of the hot sun and usually high humidity level, a fashionable and weather-appropriate ensemble can be challenging. Here's what I might put together (sunscreen and hat included).


1. VaVa Voom @ Galeana; 2. blogger's hat; 3. sunglasses @ Target; 4. SIGG water bottle; 5. sunscreen; 6. Belle by Siegerson Morrison @ LeeLee; 7. blogger's bag

Arts Fair and Charreada

While I'm not one for large and dense crowds, there are a few events that I don't like to miss. The first is the Fiesta Arts Fair sponsored by the Southwest School of Art and Craft (SWSAC). The second is the Charreada.

Fiesta Arts Fair

The SWSAC is a nationally recognized institution specializing in arts education. Courses are offered to adults and children in a number of different areas including ceramics, bookmaking, photography and many other specialties.

The Fiesta Arts Fair is only one of the several beautiful events that the SWSAC sponsors. Artists from all over the country and region are invited to showcase their works on the SWSAC grounds (a place that is a work of art in and of itself). When I say "invited," I mean that the artists are selected by a juried panel.

This is an event that has grown steadily during the last 36 years. According to their website, "San Antonio's Fiesta Arts Fair was named one of America's Top Ten Art Fairs and Festivals (coming in at #7, to be exact) by the national magazine, American Style."

One of my favorite parts this year was the Children's Art Garden (perhaps that because my little guy is 6 years old - the perfect age to enjoy this hands-on experience). There were a number of different craft stations where kids (and adults) could create their masterpieces. Clay sculptures, stained glass, monoprints, face painting, beading and quilling, metal repousse, art pots and Fiesta crowns were all part of the fun.

Let me just say... for all of you crafsters out there (me included), this was heaven!

The Charreada

The Asociacion de Charros de San Antonio hosts their annual Fiesta Charreada during the two Sundays of Fiesta. A charreada is what gringos often call a "Mexican Rodeo," but I suspect those who really know their stuff would say it goes much deeper than that. Seeped in Mexican art, tradition and culture, its roots date back to the time when the Spaniards first arrived in the Americas. It wasn't until the 1970s, though, when the Charreada was recognized as an official event in the US.

The event I attended began with a procession on horseback of the flags (American and Mexican). This is followed by an introduction of all of the participants on horseback. All are dressed in traditional costume and mariachi music plays in the background. It is a visual feast for the eyes and ears.



According to Wikipedia, a typical charreada consists of 9 events for men and 1 event for women. We only stayed for a few of the events (our younger companions were getting tired), but my favorite is the side saddle performance by the women. In this instance, a team of 8 or so young ladies created a number of different formations and patterns. Admittedly, its not their skill that is most impressive to me (though they are clearly highly skilled), but rather their costumes that I can't stop photographing. Their skirts flounce, their ribbons flow, their hats tip and their whips crack. It is is a breathtaking site.

Fiesta San Antonio

Everyone who has grown up in and around San Antonio knows about Fiesta. An 11-day event held every year in April, it's South Texas' answer to Mardi Gras. Parades, art fairs, food booths, music, cascarones, Kings and Queens - all of these elements (and more) come together to create what has to be one of the nation's greatest examples of a really great citywide festival.

I'll be posting information and pictures regarding a variety of events throughout the week. They will, by no means, be inclusive of every event, party or parade. The postings are only indicative of what I'm attending, where I'm going, what I'm seeing, etc. There is PLENTY more going on!