Cracking Open Tradition: The Origin of Cascaron Confetti Eggs

If you grew up in a Latino household, you probably already know the thrill of sneaking up behind someone, cracking a cascaron on their head, and running away laughing before they can get you back. The bright and fun cascaron confetti eggs are a staple of Easter season fun, especially in Mexican and Mexican American communities, but the story of cascarones runs deeper than you may think, spanning continents and generations.

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Getting Ready for Easter Weekend

Long before Easter Sunday rolls around, families across Mexico and the U.S. start prepping for the big day. It begins in the kitchen, where the eggshells are carefully saved from breakfast or baking, rinsed out, and set aside. By the time spring is in full swing, it’s all hands on deck: parents, kids, abuelitas, and tíos gather to dye the shells in bold colors, paint intricate designs, or just have fun making a beautiful mess.

Once dry, the shells are filled with confetti—some families even throw in glitter or tiny toys—and sealed shut with squares of tissue paper, tape, or even stickers. While tissue paper is more common in Mexico, many Mexican Americans in the U.S. adapt the tradition to what’s on hand, reminding us that culture evolves with us, and it’s never static.

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A Mystery That Crosses Oceans

Most of us learn about cascarones from family or school Easter events. But where did this tradition actually come from?

The true origin of cascarones is still debated, but like many cultural traditions, its roots may be global. One of the most cited origin stories claims that Marco Polo brought the idea from China after he visited in the 13th century. He found that hollowed eggs were filled with scented powder and exchanged as gifts, and was delighted by the little discovery, so he shared it with the royal courts of Europe. The story goes that the idea traveled to Europe and eventually landed in Mexico via Empress Carlota, wife of Emperor Maximilian, in the mid-1800s.

What is clear is that Mexico gave the cascarones tradition its playfulness. Instead of perfume, people filled the eggs with colorful confetti and turned them into tools of lighthearted mischief. The name itself—cascaron meaning “eggshell” in Spanish—tells us everything we need to know: this is a tradition meant to be cracked open and shared.

From Mexico to the Southwest

In Mexico, cascarones were first tied to Carnaval celebrations—the pre-Lenten parties that rival Mardi Gras. But over time, their role expanded to include Easter and other festive occasions like birthdays, weddings, and even school graduations. Crack one over someone’s head, and you’re said to bring them good luck (or just a head full of glitter and giggles).

The tradition is also widespread in Guatemala, where cascarones are sold in markets and made at home, often filled with confetti or flour and sealed with tissue paper. In Central America, confetti eggs are known as “huevos chimbos” (“rotten eggs”), but the name is the only thing that changes. They still hollow out the eggs, fill them with confetti or small toys, and crack them over people’s heads or throw them around. It’s meant to bring good luck and joy.

@miguelbabo__

ASÍ SE ELABORAN LOS CASCARONES 🥚🎉

♬ sonido original – Miguel Babo

As Mexican migrants made their way to the U.S., cascarones came with them. Today, they’re a fun part of Easter festivities in places like Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. Parks often fill up with families celebrating with barbecue and baskets of colorfully decorated eggs. For many Mexican American kids, this is a tradition that connects them not just to their family, but to a broader cultural identity that spans borders.

Leave No Trace

Cascarones are a lot of fun, but as with any tradition, a little mindfulness goes a long way. In places like San Antonio and Austin, officials have reminded residents to clean up after big Easter gatherings. So remember to make your Easter magical, but also bring a broom and a trash bag.

Whether you’re celebrating Easter in Monterrey or at a family picnic in Houston, cascarones are a symbol of Latino creativity and joy. And in a world that often tries to simplify who we are, cracking open a cascaron can be a reminder that our traditions are layered, interesting, fun, and absolutely worth celebrating.

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