Tradition of Cascarones

Published February 28, 2025

With Lent beginning Wednesday, that means that this weekend is Cascarones in the Jardin! For those who are new to San Miguel, cascarones are eggshells filled with paper confetti usually (sometimes flour or glitter is used), and then sealed with a small piece of tissue paper. Kids of all ages flock to the Jardin to purchase their own bag of cascarones to then break over the heads of family members, friends, or even strangers.

The tradition of Cascarones most believe originated in China, where hollowed-out eggs were once filled with scented powders and used as a form of gift or entertainment. The custom was introduced to Europe by Marco Polo and then made its way to Mexico through Spanish influence in the 19th century. Cascarones are used for a variety of celebrations throughout Latin America, and here in San Miguel it is all a lead up to the start of Lent on Miércoles de Ceniza.

They say that if you get a cascaron broken over your head it is good luck. If you’re interested in just observing the tradition, head downtown early on Saturday or Sunday morning when it’s mostly smaller children and a pretty tame atmosphere. Later in the day though, around sunset, older kids and teens take over and it can get pretty rowdy. You’ve been warned!

“Now let’s get rockin’!”

 VIP San Miguel Savings Club Card 

The San Miguel de Allende based VIP Club Card entitles card holders to deep discounts at many of the town’s flagship restaurants, 10% and 15% in most instances, and even as much as 20%, depending on the restaurant’s level of participation.

The card discount can be applied for the food and drinks of up to 4 diners as long as they’re all on the same bill. When using a credit card expect the discount to be 5 points lower, and some restaurants only take cash.

In conjunction more that 70 other business establishments in San Miguel offer VIP Club Members discounts!

Members who spend from $200 to $300 dollars a year with our participating restaurants and other services have their dues paid for with those discounts alone!. Other savings over the rest of the year goes back into the members’ pockets. There have been countless instances when members have said they have made their dues back in just a couple of days.

The VIP card of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is on sale at the following locations:

La Conexion Aldama #3

RE/MAX Colonial Recreo #14

BajioGo Jesus # 11

Notice: Certain Restaurants and Businesses may have restrictions that do not appear on this website.  Please contact San Miguel VIP Club directly for a complete list of participating businesses and restrictions.

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