December 11, 2015 - June 12, 2016

Cascarones are a fun, celebratory tradition popular in Mexico and with Mexican Americans living in the Southwestern United States.

What is a cascarone? A cascarone is a hollow eggshell filled with confetti and brightly decorated with paint, glitter, colored paper – any craft material of choice. The hollow confetti-filled eggs are meant to be cracked over someone’s head and when the eggshell breaks the confetti rains down symbolizing good luck and God’s blessings. It is said that having a confetti egg cracked on your head is “a sign of affection.”

The unique cascarone tradition has been introduced to Philadelphians by artist Marta Sanchez, who moved here from San Antonio, Texas. At first, Sanchez made cascarones for her friends to share the joy of her family tradition. Then, after a family member passed away from HIV/AIDS, Sanchez founded Cascarones Por La Vida Art Fund – a nonprofit organization that sells cascarones to benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS.

For the organization’s annual fundraiser that typically takes place each Spring, Sanchez invites artists, friends, community groups, and students to volunteer their time to fill and decorate eggs. From simple to elaborate designs, the fund sells approximately 2,000 eggs each year, some for as little as $1. To date, Sanchez’s fundraisers have provided more than $30,000 to programs that provide services to children with HIV/ AIDS.

One additional gift is that each egg poured from each shell is donated to area shelters to help feed the homeless. Nothing is wasted – the egg and its shell benefit two very worthy causes, all while sharing the fun-natured tradition of cascarones.

Visit artedemarta.com.