Cascarones are hollowed out chicken eggs that are filled with confetti. Sometimes they may even contain small coins or toys. The name cascarones is the plural form of “cáscara,” which means shell in Spanish. They are a popular tradition found throughout Mexico during carnival, a celebration that occurs 47 days before Easter.
In addition, Cascarones are popular in Mexican-American border towns during Easter. They may also be included in birthday celebrations as well as weddings during which the eggs are filled with rice instead of confetti. In San Antonio, Texas there is even a “Festival de Cascarones” held every April in which families gather and celebrate Hispanic Culture.
Cascarones can be hidden and found, similar to other Easter eggs. Once found, they are smashed onto the head of someone. You can crush the egg in your hands and then rub it into your friend’s hair or gently break it over their head. They can also be used as a light flirtation between young single people! A Spanish legend says there was once a tradition of fathers cracking eggs over the head of any child who was misbehaving to show disappointment in them!
It is said that cascarones were first brought to Europe by Marco Polo from China. At this time, the eggs were filled with perfume and given as gifts. They eventually made their way to the Americas as there are accounts of cascarones at weddings and other celebrations in California in the early 19thcentury.
