Cascarones: The Colorful Confetti Tradition of San Antonio
In San Antonio, the arrival of spring isn’t just marked by blooming flowers, but by a vibrant explosion of confetti. Cascarones—colorful, confetti-filled eggshells—are a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity, serving as a joyful staple for both Easter and the annual Fiesta celebrations.
These decorative eggs are more than just a craft. they’re a ritual of affection and celebration. The tradition involves carefully cracking and washing eggshells, dyeing them in bright hues, and filling them with confetti to be broken over the heads of loved ones.
The Connection Between Cascarones, Easter, and Fiesta
Although many families maintain the custom of making cascarones for Easter, the tradition has seamlessly integrated into Fiesta, San Antonio’s 11-day citywide festival. This overlap creates an unofficial “cascarón season” in the Alamo City, where technicolor confetti often lingers on downtown streets long after the festivities end.
NIOSA: A Party with a Purpose
Cascarones play a vital role in A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA), a long-running Fiesta event. First sold at NIOSA in 1959, these eggs have become a staple of the event’s “party with a purpose.”
The sale of cascarones serves as a popular fundraiser for the Conservation Society of San Antonio. Each year, approximately 60,000 cascarones are sold during the event to support the society’s efforts.
The Art and Labor Behind the Tradition
Creating thousands of cascarones is a year-round effort. The San Antonio Conservation Society’s cascarones committee, led by chairwoman Maureen Berryman, meets every Thursday at the River House behind the Edward Steves Homestead to prepare for the upcoming season.
The process is meticulous and varies by artist. Volunteers use several techniques to decorate the shells, including:
- Painting with brushes or using fingers while wearing gloves.
- Drawing festive doodles or adding phrases like “Viva Fiesta!”
- Rubbing the paint to create a marbly effect.
This dedicated group produces more than 50,000 eggs annually—with some reports citing over 53,000—to ensure there are enough to meet the demand at NIOSA.
Key Takeaways: San Antonio’s Cascarón Tradition
- What they are: Painted eggshells filled with confetti and cracked over people’s heads.
- When they are used: Primarily during Easter and the 11-day Fiesta celebration.
- Fundraising impact: About 60,000 eggs are sold annually at NIOSA to benefit the Conservation Society of San Antonio.
- Historical roots: Cascarones have been sold at NIOSA since 1959.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The tradition continues to thrive as the city prepares for future celebrations. The 2026 NIOSA celebration is scheduled to grab place at La Villita Historic Art Village from April 21 to April 24, 2026, where visitors can once again immerse themselves in the sights and flavors of San Antonio’s rich heritage.
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