doc241 - Schoenherr Home Page in Sunny Chula Vista

arriving almost within its precincts; when, under the direction of the friar, they formed
and marched in the following manner. First came the military band, consisting of about
twenty performers, who were dressed in a new uniform of red jackets trimmed with yellow
cord, white pantaloons made after the Turkish fashion, and red caps of the Polish
order. Then followed the bride and bridegroom, in an open English barouche, accompanied
by the sister of the former. After these in a close carriage, came Don José and
Father Antonio; in another the Madrina [godmother] and cousin; and lastly, numbers of
men and women on horseback. Guns were fired, alternately, at the Mission and in the
Presidio, until their arrival at the house, to the fiesta de boda [nuptial feast]. At one
o'clock a large number of invited guests sat down at a long table, to partake of an excellent
dinner. The married couple were seated at the head with the father spiritual on the
right, and the father temporal on the left. Dinner being over, part of the company retired
to their homes, whilst some of the younger adjourned to a booth, which was prepared in
the courtyard, sufficiently large to contain several hundred people. Here they danced
awhile, and then retired. Early in the evening, people, invited and uninvited, began to fill
up the booth, and soon dancing commenced. The music consisted of two violins and a
guitar, on which were performed many beautiful waltzes and contra dances, together
with a great number of local melodies. During the evening all took active part in the
amusement, and as the poorer classes exhibited their graceful performances, the two
fathers, from an elevated position, threw at their feet, silver dollars and doubloons. The
fandango...lasted until the morning light
Page 147
appeared, accompanied with all the variety customary on such occasions.
"On the next day, Father Antonio, as a further compliment to the bride, had dinner
prepared in the corridor of the Mission--the table reaching from one end to the other,
and the place being adorned with flags. Here all the town was invited to participate,
when old and young, rich and poor, lame and blind, black and white, joined in the feast.
For several succeeding nights the fandango was repeated at the booth, and they had
enough of feasting and dancing intermingled with the amusements of the Carnestolendas
[shrove-tide] to last them far some time.
"The usual season for Carnestolendas is during the three days previous to Ash
Wednesday, but here they commence two weeks earlier. Whilst these amusements last,
it is dangerous for one to go into a house where he is acquainted, for he is liable to be
well drenched with Cologne or scented water. This is accomplished by the following
preparatory process. As many eggs as may be required, are emptied of their contents,
by perforating a hole at each end, through which they are blown by the mouth. The
shells are afterwards immersed in a large basin of prepared essences, with which they
are partly filled, and the holes then sealed with wax. Thus made ready, they are broken
upon the heads of individuals; but it must be understood, that this is done only where
great intimacy exists between the parties. Oftentimes invitations are given for a select
company to assemble at a specified place, when all attend at the time appointed,
"armed and equipped" for a battle with the eggs. On such occasions, as the excitement
grows warm, and the ammunition becomes nearly exhausted, they resort to wet napkins,
which they slap at each other. From these they have recourse to tumblers of water,
and from these to pitchers, and from pitchers to buckets, until, tired and exhausted by
the exercise, they desist!"