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¡Hola!
In this issue we will explore some of the Latino Holy Week and Easter traditions. I love capirotada which is a quick and easy dessert to make and cascarones are a great family project, not to mention the fun of cracking them on people's heads! I was lucky enough to go to Sevilla one year for Semana Santa and witness its elaborate processions and festivities. It was a great experience and one you should add to your to-do list!
¡Feliz Pascua a todos!
Darlene
| The Story of Easter |
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Easter is considered the most important holiday to Christians worldwide not Christmas as many think. Easter is observed by the churches of the West on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox. Did you get that? That's why Easter can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25.
Holy Week, the last week of Lent, begins its with the observance of Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday takes its name from when Jesus' entered Jerusalem amidst crowds waving palms. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which was held the evening before the Crucifixion. This is when Jesus offered up the bread and wine as his body and blood, the first communion. Friday in Holy Week is the anniversary of the Crucifixion, the day that Christ was crucified and died on the cross.
Easter Sunday is celebrated annually by Christians to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead thus proving that he is the son of God.
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| Cascarones / Confetti Eggs |
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A cascaron, the Spanish word for eggshell, is an egg that has been emptied, washed, brightly painted and filled with confetti. It is pronounced kas-ka-ron, or kas-ka-ron-nes for plural.
Carlotta, the wife of Emperor Maximilian, if often credited for bringing elaborately decorated perfume-filled eggs from Europe to Mexico during her husband's rule in Mexico in 1864.
At some point the perfume was replaced with confetti and cascarones were born! These fun little concoctions are meant to crack over someone head, unexpectedly showering them with confetti!
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| Semana Santa en Sevilla/ Holy Week in Seville |
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Semana Santa in Sevilla is arguably the most famous holy week celebration in the world. Elaborate processions with 57 church brotherhoods totaling 60,000 participants take part, some dating as far back as the 13th century, carrying over 116 different floats or pasos, through the streets of Sevilla.
The pasos carry images of Christ and/or the Virgin Mary from surrounding churches, each more elaborate than the next.
The most famous is the image of the Virgin de Macarena. Yes, like the song! In fact there was a bit of a stir amongst the Spaniards when the song first came out until the songwriters quickly stated it was not about the Virgin Mary but another girl they knew named Macarena.
Hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors, rub shoulders for seven days embracing their spiritual faith and indulging in the finest Andalucian cuisine, world-class flamenco and rich red wines. Even if you are not religious you will be impressed by this massive undertaking!
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| Antique Painted Cross w/Gold Leaf |
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Mexican religious folk art combines the artistic soul and spiritual heritage of its people. This beautiful cross can be displayed in a traditional home altar or given as a special religious gift.
Dimensions: 12" x 8.75"
Retail Price: $45.00
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Capirotada / Bread Pudding |
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Traditionally this old-fashioned bread pudding, served during holy week, is filled with cheese, apples, peanuts and raisins. Although the traditionalists scold me for doing so, I like to substitute dates and pecans.
2 cps Brown Sugar or Lg Piloncillo
1 cp Water
1 3" Cinnamon Stick
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract 1 Loaf of French Bread or 4-5 Bolillos
1 1/2 cps Nuts (pick and choose; pine nuts, slivered almonds and chopped walnuts, peanuts, pecans)
1 cup raisins (or whatever dry fruit you like)
1/2 pd Jack Cheese cubed or Queso Fresco crumbled
1 Tart Apple
Icecream or Whipped Cream
Boil brown sugar, water, cinnamon and vanilla until slightly thickened in sauce pan. Discard cinnamon stick. Cut bread into 1/2 inch slices toast slighted in oven with butter in 9X13" pan. Alternate layers of bread, cheese, nuts and apple with brown sugar mixture. Cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until thorughly heated. Serve warm into individual bowls with icecream or whipped cream.
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