The 'Cascarones', a Mexican Easter Tradition

By @RozcoTV

Mexican Easter Eggs: A Burst of Confetti and Childhood Memories
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Various cultures around the world engage in unique traditions and celebrations to mark this  holiday. In Mexico, one of the most cherished customs involves the tradition of Easter eggs filled with confetti. These vibrant and festive eggs not only add color to the holiday but also bring joy and laughter to children and adults alike. So today, I'll be telling you a bit about it.
The tradition of filling Easter eggs with confetti, known as "cascarones" in Spanish, has deep roots in Mexican culture. While the exact origin of cascarones is uncertain, it is believed to have originated in Europe and was brought to Mexico by Spanish settlers during the colonial period. Over time, the tradition evolved and became intertwined with Mexican Easter celebrations.

What is the tradition exactly?
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Children get ready to start their Easter break by having a big last day of school event for which preparations take days or even weeks.   For weeks, your family will save all the egg shells of all the breakfast eggs you've had. These are no regular broken eggshells, you must careful tap through the top and create a hole on the top portion of the egg, as to retain most of the integrity of the shell. ​

Preparing Cascarones

Creating cascarones is a labor of love that often involves the entire family. To make cascarones, empty eggshells are carefully cleaned and dried. Once dry, the shells are filled with brightly colored confetti through the small hole at the top. After filling, the hole is sealed with tissue paper or colorful tape, ensuring that the confetti remains hidden until the egg is cracked open.

Once the eggs are properly filled and sealed, each child typically takes them to school and is given extra time to paint the eggs. People get super creative and express their personality through these designs, and rarely will you find two easter eggs that are alike. 

Finally, the time to celebrate arrives. Usually the last day of school before the break, or on Easter Sunday, families and friends gather to celebrate the holiday and partake in the tradition of cascarones. Children, in particular, eagerly anticipate the moment when they can engage in the playful activity of cracking cascarones over each other's heads. The joyful laughter and excitement that accompany this tradition create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
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But what does it mean? An overthinker might ask.

Well, I'm glad you did ; )  ! 

The egg, a universal symbol of rebirth and new life, represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is central to the Easter holiday. Additionally, the colorful confetti contained within the eggs symbolizes the joy and celebration associated with Easter.

The act of cracking a cascaron over someone's head is not only a fun and festive tradition but also a symbol of friendship and goodwill. It is believed that the person receiving the cascaron will be blessed with good luck and prosperity in the year ahead. Additionally, the sight of colorful confetti raining down brings a sense of joy and lightheartedness to the celebration.

So if you are looking for a new way to celebrate easter, the tradition of cascarones is one you should definitely try. This tradition brings together families and communities in a spirit of joy and camaraderie. As Easter approaches, let us embrace this colorful and festive tradition, honoring its origins and significance while creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Why not add a burst of confetti-filled fun to your celebrations with cascarones?