Dancing to traditional Kumeyaay Bird Songs in Balboa Park during the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow.
A special event is going on this weekend in Balboa Park. The American Indian Health Center Pow Wow is taking place near the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way.
I enjoyed the first hour of the pow wow, watching and listening to the performance of Bird Songs by members of the Kumeyaay Nation. These very powerful ancient songs live on today, but other similar songs from the past have been lost to time.
Other events at the pow wow include gourd dancing and fancy shawl dancing. Tents around the venue feature all sorts of Native American crafts, food, art and cultural information. If you’re in San Diego, swing on by! The public is welcome!
Gourd rattles are an important and powerful part of Kumeyaay Bird Songs. Traditionally, a musical sound has also been produced with a stick rubbed against a rough basket.A large drum awaits on the grass as the Native American Pow Wow in San Diego has just begun.Miss Kumeyaay Nation was very gracious to pose for a photograph.I swung by the pow wow during its first hour. Many additional participants were arriving and setting up.Many who’d arrived for the pow wow were already in colorful ceremonial costumes. The earlier rain had ceased and people were relaxing, enjoying friendship, spirit-filled music and another beautiful day.Someone proudly wears an American Indian Warriors Association emblem.Photo taken as the American Indian Health Center Pow Wow in Balboa Park is just getting started.Getting ready for a busy day of dance, song, spirituality, and honoring local Native American culture and history.Working on beautiful ceremonial objects to be worn or displayed during a life-filled pow wow in San Diego.
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A cool knight in golden armor poses for a fantasy photo shoot in front of Balboa Park’s ornate Museum of Man facade.
I was walking through Balboa Park, on a mission to check out today’s Native American Pow Wow, when I was stopped in my tracks by a fearsome knight in shining golden armor!
Check out a few super cool photos! Someone was posing in extraordinarily elaborate gold armor near the entrance to the Museum of Man. It might be the most extraordinary medieval cosplay I’ve ever seen! (My first impression, upon seeing the helmet, is that this might be an elite servant of Sauron. If that’s the case, those brave heroes of Gondor should be very much afraid!)
I spoke very briefly to the guy in the costume. Nothing in particular was being promoted. My impression is that he made the exotic suit of armor himself. Wow! I can’t wait for San Diego Comic-Con! It’s two months away!
UPDATE!
In the comments, Andrew identified the cosplay as Imperius, the Archangel of Valor from Blizzard’s Diablo series. Cool!
Visitors to Balboa Park in San Diego were surprised to see an impressive knight in elaborate golden armor standing guard near the entrance to the Museum of Man.Truly fantastic cosplay! A warrior in incredible golden armor seems to have emerged from Lord of the Rings, Arthurian legend, Game of Thrones…or the mists of the distant past.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.
Performers in medieval chain mail and shining breastplate armor pose inside the main entrance of the San Diego Central Library downtown!
Check out a few pics of a certifiably cool event I witnessed at noon today! There was a pop-up performance of the St. Crispin’s Day speech from Shakespeare’s play Henry V! Complete with medieval costumes and shining armor!
The short performance honored the birthday (and death day) of Shakespeare, and was put on in the Central Library’s lobby as part of the San Diego Public Library’s First Folio multi-month extravaganza. Shakespeare’s rousing fictional speech by King Henry V–meant to inspire his English army in 1415 before the Battle of Agincourt, where he faced a vastly larger French army–was recited at several libraries around San Diego.
The enthusiastic performers were all great! And super friendly! I spoke to them and learned about their love for the Age of Chivalry. They make their own armor and other items associated with medieval life. They are deeply interested in the history of the Middle Ages and learning how to craft objects with historical authenticity. According to their website, Chivalry Today, they offer a variety of presentations, workshops and activities to introduce chivalry into your education, business and life. They provide quality historical interpretive programs for schools studying Medieval and Renaissance history. Click on the above link to check these guys out!
(If I may provide some constructive criticism of the library, which I otherwise love. I arrived early because I wasn’t sure where exactly in downtown’s large Central Library the performance would take place. I asked five different library employees. Not one of them knew. One severe lady at the reference desk after searching for about five minutes on her computer told me there was no such event. Ouch. Worse, it appeared I was the only person to intentionally show up for the performance. The others in the small audience arrived after an announcement over the library public address system. Isn’t a library essentially about maximizing communication? Hello! We live in the age of the internet! Okay, my rant is over. I love you guys.)
Reciting Shakespeare’s rousing speech by King Henry V, urging his English army to bravely fight the French at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.At the end of the short pop-up performance, banners are raised by the small troupe in the lobby of the San Diego Central Library.Henry V inspires his troops in the Age of Chivalry, while historical commentary is provided in a modern library. The performance was part of an ongoing summer-long First Folio celebration of Shakespeare.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.
Artwork hung near entrance of the Balboa Park Club depicts Greek folk dancers.
A great event is going on this weekend in Balboa Park! If you happen to be in San Diego, you might like to check it out!
The International Folk Dance Spring Festival is being held in the very beautiful Balboa Park Club building, and everyone is invited. The fun event is put on by the International Dance Association of San Diego County.
Anyone who attended the festival today could learn how to Greek dance! Tomorrow, Sunday, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and observe other styles of folk dancing. It’s easy to participate and lots of fun! And it’s a great social activity that provides healthy exercise!
I learned that the International Dance Association of San Diego County is eager to welcome new members. Do you enjoy folk dancing? Do you wish to learn? Are you merely curious and would like to read some more interesting information? Then click here to check out their website! They have numerous classes and special dances throughout the year!
Curious visitors enter the Balboa Park Club building, to enjoy the 2016 International Folk Dance Spring Festival.Costumes are a fun aspect of authentic folk dancing. But you don’t need one to participate! Come as you are!People get ready to perform a social dance in the amazing 13,000 square feet ballroom inside the Balboa Park Club.Ordinary people at the International Folk Dance Spring Festival in Balboa Park learn Greek dancing!Life is beautiful. Indeed, it is!The stunning, historic grand foyer of the Balboa Park Club is decorated for spring. Buy stuff here during the festival to support the International Dance Association of San Diego County.International Folk Dancing in Balboa Park is celebrating 69 years! Recreational folk dance is taught, demonstrated and performed for free in a stylish, air-conditioned ballroom!The Balboa Park Club is the site of a San Diego folk dance festival, running this weekend. Go check it out! Or, better yet, go and learn how to folk dance! Why not?
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Very elegant Celtic damsels on horseback linger before start of the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Diego.
Here come a bunch of fun pics! I took these this morning as folks were getting ready for the big annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in San Diego. I saw all sorts of Irish pride on display. Lots of smiles. Lots of laughter. Enjoy!
Members of the 3rd West Cork Brigade were dressed in period costume to demonstrate their Irish pride.Irish gentlemen in green jackets cross the grass at the west end of Balboa Park. The festival was just getting started.An Old Irish Pub sign at the big St. Patrick’s Day Festival next to the parade route.This funny fellow was carrying the Morning Paper down Sixth Avenue.I see this friendly smiling clown every year at the parade!Young and old alike celebrate Ireland and wear the green.I saw lots of Irish Setters, of course.Someone watches as members of local United States Marine Corps band rehearse. Photo taken near Balboa Park’s lawn bowling green.Marine Band San Diego gets ready to participate in the 2016 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.Irish dancing was being performed on one stage an hour before the parade got underway.Bagpipe players and drummers form a circle as they practice for the big annual parade.One of several large Irish Wolfhounds that were checking out the festivities.Some musicians get ready on a trailer beside the parade route. They’re advertising Rope the Musical.And here are some old-fashioned penny-farthing enthusiasts.Folks prepare their float for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It will feature a big orange shamrock.The mascot of a local business gets a necklace of shiny green beads!Smiles, laughter, great fun, and lots of Irish pride.
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Lots of music was being played during today’s Mormon Battalion Commemoration event in Old Town San Diego.
I love history. So I was thrilled to stumble upon a special event today in Old Town San Diego!
The Mormon Battalion Commemoration is an annual celebration that recalls a part of San Diego’s diverse, often surprising history. The battalion was formed in 1846. Composed of members of the Latter Day Saints and led by regular U.S. Army officers, over 500 men and several dozen women and children set out from Council Bluffs, Iowa and endured an almost 2,000 mile march to San Diego. Their presence in San Diego and several other locations in Southern California helped to support the eventual cession of much of the American Southwest from Mexico to the United States. Many members of the Mormon Battalion went on to play leading roles in the settlement of the West.
Of course, history–like life itself–is a complex thing that can be told and interpreted from many differing viewpoints. Happy reenactments don’t tell the entire story. But among so many costumes and demonstrations, one can start to imagine what life appeared like in San Diego over a century and a half ago.
I ambled around Old Town’s central plaza, spoke to some very friendly folks and took a few photos.
When I saw this rider on horseback as I entered Old Town this afternoon, I knew something special was going on!The public was welcome to this celebration of the Mormon Battalion. It included a parade, which I unfortunately missed.I saw kids in covered wagons, folks on horseback, and just a big whirl of activity all around Old Town today!We are commemorating the end of one of the longest military marches in U.S. Military History. Five hundred soldiers known as the Mormon Battalion marched from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego, CA. In addition…there were 35 women and 45 children.Various exhibits recreated aspects of camp life, and life in San Diego during the mid-19th century.Treats on a stick. Lots of families were present for the very popular history-based event.One tent explained the hardships of women settling the West, and what life was like as a laundress.Lots of folks were about Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in period costume. Many people participating in the event were themselves Mormons.More unique and colorful costumes worn to help reenact a fascinating period of local history.Traditional folklorico dancing on a stage in Old Town. A strong Mexican heritage is a vibrant part of San Diego history.During the festivities, a large crowd enjoyed music, dance, food and all sorts of interesting sights.Contestants in a Dutch Oven Bake Off prepare their tasty concoctions for the judges.Young people were shown how clay bricks were made in the early days of San Diego.I was told this fabric would be used in the making of dolls.These ladies on horseback and in a fancy miniature donkey-driven cart were being photographed right and left. Wearing elegant frilly dresses and holding parasols, they delighted everybody!One booth in Old Town’s central plaza had a quilt-making demonstration, where kids could learn about the craft.Of course, there were many historical exhibits that told the Mormon Battalion’s story and described their contributions to San Diego’s early life and culture.The Liberty Stand explained how Mormons believe in the vision of America’s founding fathers, and their belief in values delineated by the U.S. Constitution.Another demonstration had folks grinding nuts and seeds, a skill adapted from Native American Kumeyaay who lived in this region long before Europeans.A guitar and a banjo create upbeat frontier-style music.This nice lady at an information stand gave the thumbs up for my camera!I wandered behind Seeley Stable because I noticed their famous blacksmith demonstration was open today!This lady was hammering glowing red hot iron while kids watched.A miniature donkey pulls an elegant cart!
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A group of old-fashioned Christmas carolers in Victorian costumes brings holiday cheer to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Look what I stumbled upon yesterday during an afternoon walk through San Diego’s history-filled Old Town. Folks in Victorian costumes were roaming about, singing Christmas carols!
I learned this group is composed of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park staff and volunteers. They were having a great time spreading Christmas cheer, pausing to sing at the various museums, restaurants and shops around old San Diego’s picturesque central plaza.
I was even given a cool little book filled with Christmas carol lyrics. Thank you guys!
Merry Christmas!
Carolers smile, laugh and enjoy the day in front of a reconstructed building at Old Town San Diego’s central plaza.I was given this Caroling Lyrics Booklet. Songs include Jingle Bells, The First Noel, We Three Kings, The 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls and Silent Night.The colorful group of Old Town roving carolers heads to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, which is decked out with festive wreaths.After entertaining some surprised diners, the group heads through the Cosmopolitan Hotel, much to the delight of one server!Singing traditional Christmas carols around the old fountain in the outdoor courtyard of Casa de Estudillo.Now the Christmas carolers are in the Wells Fargo History Museum next to the original 1867 Concord stagecoach! Several people listened outside the nearby door and applauded.A crowd gathered as Christmas carols were heard outside the Threads of the Past Living History Activity Center. One quilter joined in the public singing!Joyful, uplifting Christmas carols are sung as customers leave Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop.
Lady promoting San Diego’s upcoming Fall Back Festival goes nose to nose with a friendly hog.
In two days a large number of characters from the Old West will be roaming the streets of modern San Diego. During the Fall Back Festival, which takes place this Sunday, November 8, between 11 and 4, several blocks of the Gaslamp Quarter will be transformed into a 1880s frontier town!
Visitors to the free event will be able to enjoy all sorts of historical exhibits, not to mention a saloon, a penny candy store, a town jail, hay and pony rides, panning for gold, butter churning, candle dipping, and a Wild West Show! Wow! I went last year and it was a lot of fun!
During my walk this morning I happened upon some folks promoting the event for the local NBC television news station. They were hanging out near the entrance to the William Heath Davis House Museum. Sneaky me… I took some pics!
Ladies in frilly dresses linger between television shoots promoting San Diego’s Fall Back Festival. The annual event, which takes place near the William Heath Davis House Museum, will recreate a 1880s frontier town.A tough Western character hangs out with a silly balloon twister. This bench is beside the historic William Heath Davis House in downtown San Diego.Two gentleman from the Old West converse on Fourth Avenue sidewalk in San Diego’s modern Gaslamp Quarter.
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Zombies and ghouls gather for a scare at Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
At first today’s Balboa Park Halloween Family Day seemed uneventful. A lot of park visitors out enjoying a sunny late October day. What could possibly go wrong?
The San Diego Police could not stop the frightening scene to come. Their skeleton crew was taking a lazy Saturday nap in the park.Everything seemed peaceful and normal. A baby stroller headed down El Prado, carrying a sunflower.The San Diego Zoo was showing a two-toed sloth to costumed kids eating candy for Halloween.This MTS lady seemed happy and so did the pumpkin behind her. But little did the visitors to Balboa Park know…danger was lurking nearby…The Doggie Costume Contest in Spanish Village promised to be a fun, tail-wagging affair.This witch assured me she was a nice witch. Not one of those wicked ones. But I don’t know about all those spooky symbols on the sign beside her.The glassblowers were making beautiful pumpkins. There’s nothing very scary here, right?Now wait a minute. I see Godzilla strolling near the reflecting pool. Perhaps he emerged from deep waters to wreak havoc on San Diego. I hope not.More nice pumpkins. These are arranged among harmless, pretty flowers and various exotic plants in the Botanical Building.A lady, with a skull face painting, poses in a beautiful Dia de los Muertos dress. What could possibly go wrong today?Oh, no! Here come the evil clowns! Now we asked for it!And now zombies are converging on the Plaza de Panama! One is limping horribly toward an undead bride in a wedding gown!And now look! A crowd of limp, staggering figures is assembling in the plaza. What are they going to do?They’re going to dance! It’s Michael Jackson’s Thriller!
It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark
Under the moonlight you see a sight that almost stops your heart
You try to scream, but terror takes the sound before you make it
You start to freeze as horror looks you right between the eyes
You’re paralyzed…
A scary flash mob, brought together by the San Diego Civic Dance Association, performs Thriller during Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you from the beast about to strike!
What a bunch of spooky fun! So much fun, they did it again and again!
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Dancers from Calpulli Mexihca perform at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during weekend House of Mexico celebration.
This evening I enjoyed a walk through beautiful Balboa Park. As I approached the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, I heard the rhythmic beat of drums. I’d stumbled upon something wonderful and unexpected!
The House of Mexico, of Balboa Park’s House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, was having a celebration!
I lingered for a while and took a few photos…
Doll greets visitors at Friday evening House of Mexico event in Balboa Park.The House of Mexico, of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, celebrated Mexican Independence Day and Balboa Park’s Centennial with music and dance.Performer from Danza Azteca Calpulli Mexihca in a colorful Aztec costume.Musicians from Mariachi Garibaldi of Southwestern College would take the stage in a few minutes.Smiles during a celebration of Mexican culture and history in San Diego’s Balboa Park.
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