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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A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Here are some photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Mexico began their war for independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and the occasion was celebrated today with music, food, games, an equestrian demonstration and traditional Mexican dance. I caught a bit of it!
San Diego’s fascinating history includes a Mexican period, which followed the early years of settlement and rule by Spain. Mexico and San Diego share a common border and a great deal of history. A blending of culture and friendly people adds to the richness of our city.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.Tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.This rider was nice enough to smile! It’s a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She’s got an awesome job!Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.
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A smile, a Votes For Women sash, American flags, and a California Equal Suffrage Association banner.
Early this evening a rally and parade celebrating the ratification of the 19th Amendment were held in Balboa Park. As the sun descended toward the horizon, a small crowd gathered in Sefton Plaza to hear a variety of interesting, often stirring speeches. The speakers portrayed notable women in American history who have worked to further the cause of women’s equal civil rights. Wearing period costumes, the historical personalities included Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul and Eleanor Roosevelt, plus important local San Diegans Dr. Charlotte Baker, our city’s first female practicing physician, and prominent philanthropist and journalist Ellen Browning Scripps. The event was sponsored by the Women’s Museum of California in Point Loma.
Here are a few photos!
Two women head for Sefton Plaza in Balboa Park, where a suffrage rally would celebrate the anniversary of the 19th Amendment.The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on August 18, 1920. It guarantees all American women the right to vote.Historical sign proclaims a woman living here has registered to vote thereby assuming the responsibility of citizenship.In period attire, the person being interviewed played the role of San Diego philanthropist and trailblazer Ellen Browning Scripps during the rally.The woman with the microphone portrayed American suffragist and social activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who wrote many of Susan B. Anthony’s speeches.Many wore historical sashes, hats and costumes to commemorate suffragettes and leaders who have fought for equal women’s rights.One participant reenacted Eleanor Roosevelt, speaking about her life and accomplishments. The statue is of Kate Sessions, one of the founders of Balboa Park.The suffrage parade begins. Participants march toward the heart of Balboa Park, down El Prado and over the Cabrillo Bridge.
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Mark Twain uses cane to point out his classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Many 19th century authors and fictional characters were seen walking around during TwainFest.
TwainFest last summer was awesome. So today I had to go again!
A uniquely wonderful cultural event, TwainFest celebrates Mark Twain and other famous 19th century authors. Held every year in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the event includes games and activities for the entire family, including Costume and Liar’s contests (the latter as a tribute to Twain’s tall tales), vintage dancing, and all sorts of historical performances and reenactments. TwainFest is presented by Fiesta de Reyes and created by the literature-loving folks at Write Out Loud.
I walked about randomly for about an hour just aiming my camera at familiar old classics that I love come to life. I saw lots of San Diegans in period costume, many portraying well known characters from literature.
I hope you enjoy these photos…
A random writer helps to pen one of three endless stories at the family friendly event. …And, lo, from out of the mist stepped a phantom: it was the ghost of Mark Twain!Mr. Samuel Clemens, American author of many timeless books and stories, relaxes under a tree in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during 2015 TwainFest.Mark Twain’s beloved character Aunt Polly is looking around for Tom Sawyer and Huck, who are probably running about engaged in mischief once again.Some lively Irish music dating from the Old West is played during TwainFest on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Laughter. Levity. Literature.A storyteller making the rounds at TwainFest challenges the audience between musical performances to solve humorous riddles.This elegantly-dressed gentleman informed me he would be reading classic fiction to the crowd later today.Not to miss this history and literature-inspired event, a couple of fun-loving pirates come shuffling along through Old Town’s central plaza.Oh, goodness! It’s one of the most famous fictional, rascally pirates of all! Long John Silver! What’s that in the bottle?Al Sorkin, aka Captain Swordfish, represents the Maritime Museum of San Diego. That’s a really big harpoon! Perhaps it was once used to hunt Moby Dick.Two friendly people in period costume were greeting visitors at the entrance to the Casa de Estudillo.This funny guy said he was a sort-of Mad Hatter with a Bowie knife! He looked more like a 19th century Willy Wonka to me!Uh oh. While no one was looking Henry David Thoreau got out of his jail cell! That was awfully disobedient!These two snake oil salespeople were selling Ether of Muse. One whiff of the potent elixir and writing literature is a snap.This mild, ordinary lady in a bonnet demonstrated what happens when one sniffs essence of Emily Dickinson. She recited breathless poetry for minutes on end.Girl greets large puppet Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson at 2015 TwainFest in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
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Supergirl crosses the Harbor Drive bridge with a cool companion. Is that some sort of Star Wars stormtrooper?
Here’s batch number two of super awesome cosplay photos taken at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
Okay, I admit I don’t know half these characters. But who cares? It was a lot of fun just seeing them all! Comic-Con is all about human imagination. These cool costumes are living representations of the unlimited creative power that each of us possesses!
(For those of you following this blog who’d like to see something other than Comic-Con, have no fear! The big annual event is drawing to a close, and I’m sure we’ll have oodles and oodles of brand new cool San Diego sights ahead!)
It’s another Snow White! This one seemed exceptionally nice, even for a Disney character.The Walking Dead took over Petco Park today. That must be why I spotted the King County Sheriff with the ghost-busting Geek Outlaw.Who on Earth is that crazy guy with a big-eared helmet? Don’t ask me!Perhaps this nicely-dressed couple came from Scotland. Or maybe they’re promoting Outlander.Guys walk along reading books while wearing question mark masks. Makes me feel better that I don’t recognize who the heck they are.What big claws you have Wolverine! Let me take a picture!Not sure who these folks are dressed up to be. One’s got a big bloody axe.I’m guessing this is the nice Deadpool family.Somebody help me with this one. These characters seem familiar but my brain has stopped working.Lots of fun cosplay action behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2015 Comic-Con.The alluring tattooed Blindspot lady has been joined by sneaky Catwoman! Watch out guys!The Black Mage of Final Fantasy is joined by frolicking super heroines including another Supergirl.Should I be concerned that the evil, nefarious Poison Ivy is smiling at me?Okay, I do know that these awesome people are cosplaying Mad Max movie characters. Because they told me!Henchman 21 of The Venture Brothers is Hench 4 Life!This bright yellow sunny cosplay is Dayman. That sunshine is perfect here in San Diego!It’s the vile Lord Hater of animated show Wander Over Yonder!Uh, oh. Better call the Caped Crusader. Because I’ve spotted Scarecrow. You don’t scare me!Captain America is walking among happy citizens, protecting all those who are visiting downtown San Diego for Comic-Con.Boba Fett costumes are always cool. This is no exception.Spidey is always a big favorite when it comes time for kids to pose at San Diego Comic-Con.The smiling CEO of Jack in the Box just happened to be walking about the Gaslamp among a bunch of cosplayers.Clark Kent opens up his shirt to reveal the Superman emblem! Another cool sight at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
Harley Quinn and Deathstroke make a cute cosplay villain couple at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Here’s the first batch of photos of cosplay outside the convention center during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. I walked with my camera all over downtown: along Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, around the Gaslamp, near Petco Park, and all around the San Diego Convention Center. Costumed characters were everywhere! Much of the cosplay was incredibly elaborate, and just super awesomely cool. You can tell fans spent a lot of time and effort preparing for Comic-Con!
I apologize for not recognizing all of the characters. If a caption is inaccurate or needs better information, leave a comment!
Superman and Wonder Woman are just hanging out like best buddy heroes in the Gaslamp during Comic-Con.Ant-Man is ready for action, and I’m ready for his movie!Awesome, amazingly elaborate cosplay can be seen all over downtown San Diego during Comic-Con, especially near the convention center.I believe these are all Mad Max characters, but don’t quote me on that.Another fun Harley Quinn with another big hammer.Cosplay of Satsuki Kiryūin, from popular anime television series Kill la Kill.Here comes the Joker. Why so serious?Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade is a prime spot to spot the coolest cosplay during San Diego Comic-Con.Adora Belle Dearheart (Golem Inspector) and Moist von Lipwig from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.Aquaman seems to be out of his element during the Southern California drought.I think that’s Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter. Who’s the guy with her? He looks familiar.A hooded lady assassin gives me a calculating stare from the Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed obstacle course.Dr. Who’s brilliant strategy altered history during the Trojan War. I guess Ulysses wasn’t as smart as they say.Baymax of Big Hero 6 is walking through the crowd on a beautiful San Diego weekend.A colorfully dressed cosplayer has checked out a funny, high tech portable toilet prop from Insurgent.A simple Iron Man armor costume, but effective.Darth Maul made a rush at me, invoking the Dark Force, but somehow I evaded his double lightsaber. I’d like to think I did an amazing back flip.Super cool outfit! Must be awfully warm, though.I recognize Black Widow and Captain America, two of Marvel’s Avengers.Immortan Joe cosplay from Mad Max: Fury Road.It’s a walking TARDIS from Dr. Who at Comic-Con!Lady Star Lord and Thor pose for my camera near Petco Park during 2015 Comic-Con.Sexy tattooed character from television show Blindspot walks about during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.Old man Deadpool has a long white beard!
I’m given a hearty greeting by the Mighty Thor. Last year this awesome guy cosplayed as Batman.
Here’s a bunch of fun photos showing activity outside the convention center during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. There’s so much to see, to absorb, one could happily spend hours just walking around. Most of these pics are from this evening–Thursday. A few are from Wednesday.
Visitors to Horton Plaza are invited to become colorful superheroes during San Diego Comic-Con.Just inside door of Spreckels Theater Building where Conan O’Brien audience picks up tickets.Snoopy with granny glasses peers from Gaslamp shop window.Poster in Gaslamp advertises William Shatner’s Man O’ War.Entertainment Weekly had lots of people posing for photographs. Superheroes of San Diego!It does indeed look like Fear Begins Here.Video board promotes exciting NBC television programming in Gaslamp Square.Heroes Reborn venue had huge images of the powerful characters around the black structure.Their biggest mistake was betting against him. The Player. Thursdays this Fall on NBC.Photo of crowd crossing Harbor Drive and trolley tracks between San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Square.LEGO Bane is on the wall of the Hard Rock Hotel!The cosmic wrap and astronaut figure on the Hard Rock Hotel building advertises The Expanse, coming soon on Syfy.Ladies in Sharknado 3 shark heads hold signs indicating It’s Your Patriotic Duty to Embrace the ‘Nado!The downright silly new Colonel Sanders is shown as a unicorn standing by Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.Awesome cosplay in downtown San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con. Three against one! I don’t have a chance!A large troop of Colony soldiers marches down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade during Comic-Con.Schick offered free shaves near the Assassin’s Creed obstacle course. Schick has partnered with software developer Ubisoft.You, get in here! It seems everyone is trying to attract the attention of thousands of Comic-Con attendees.Webtoon. Long live comics!People dine at the Tin Fish, which is completely wrapped in NBC Blindspot graphics. A mind erased. A body of clues.It’s LEGO Homer Simpson! He’s equipped with some tough-looking Transformer-like armor, which includes Wonder Woman and Gollum on top!These suited bald guys with barcode tattoos on their necks are lined up to promote Hitman: Agent 47.It looks like Hulk shrank a bit!Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed to have the situation in hand. That’s a pretty big crowd passing by, however, and I’ve seen a number of nasty-looking villains!You scream, I scream, the Scream Queens serve ice cream!This huge super cool robot is called MegaBot. It arrived near Petco Park for Comic-Con on Wednesday.Dark Souls III has a cool backdrop at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone next to Petco Park. Can these guys remove the sword from the stone wall?Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is an upcoming movie, and a fun venue in the Interactive Zone.Darth Vader challenged me to a light saber duel. I declined. I like my limbs.Inflatable slides at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone were set up to promote The Peanuts Movie.Is that Snow White smiling at me? Don’t bite that apple!That is either a Spartan, a Trojan, or a guy who likes USC football.Batman has seen enough of this rabble. He’s looking grim and determined to do something.Stoop Kid’s afraid to leave his stoop. Or perhaps remove a Star Trek uniform.As the evening progresses and the FX Fearless Arena Experience closes for the day, Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll are abandoned.Archer graphic in the Hilton Bayfront Park.American Horror Story Hotel has closed for the day and a video photographer exits. Was it too scary for him?Model grabs at swirling dollar bills in window of American Horror Story Hotel while being filmed.Kid checks out vacant entrance to the Bastard Executioner venue. Escape the forest duel!I’m guessing this passage near the exit is where thrill-seekers escape the forest duel.Upside down Louie seems to wait in line for Hall H with thousands of Comic-Con fans. They’ll be sleeping outside all night on the grass or concrete. That’s dedication!Hunkering down for a long wait behind the San Diego Convention Center. These guys are near the Adult Swim carnival.Now that’s a lot of people waiting to see panels in Hall H tomorrow. And there are many more behind me!Folks riding a unicorn prepare to launch above the Omni Hotel into the cloudy blue sky, over a gigantic bubble resting on the grass!That bubble is actually a huge, working snow globe promoting Fargo. The Waffle Hut is inside!Oh, dear. More zombies on the loose.Time to head back across Harbor Drive as the day ends. Even a pair of Leias have to eat dinner.Looking down from Harbor Drive bridge at San Diego rail yard and a bus with Game of Thrones wrap turning about.Everybody had a great time. Day 1 of San Diego Comic-Con is coming to a close.A couple slowly walks along after a busy day. That’s one gigantic swag bag!
Kids wave at Star Wars stormtrooper and TIE fighter pilot at the Coronado Independence Day parade!
I spent the morning in Coronado. I’ve always wanted to see their huge Independence Day parade, reputed to be one of the very best in America. (And I believe it! I’ll be posting a bunch of pics later–I’ve got a lot of photos to go through!)
One of the biggest sensations of the parade was created when a bunch of San Diego Star Wars Society members passed down the length of Orange Avenue, engaging in elaborate cosplay. Talk about cool! It’s like Comic-Con started early!
San Diego Stars Wars Society members engaged in elaborate cosplay for Coronado’s Fourth of July parade!Imperial stormtrooper rides a Segway, an advanced land vehicle from the early 21st century.A biker scout trooper clears a path for the San Diego Star Wars Society with a flag-festooned, red, white and blue patriotic motorcycle!The Dark Force seems to have a big following. But don’t be alarmed. Some fearless Jedi Knights have arrived!An army of white-armored clones marches down a very crowded Orange Avenue in Coronado. The parade featured a fantastic variety of cool sights.Kids have a whole lot of fun as costumed Star Wars enthusiasts participate in the Coronado Independence Day parade.
Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town’s Robinson-Rose House.
I didn’t catch the names of the dance groups competing today. But I did get some fun photos! The sixth annual Fiesta de Reyes Folklórico Competition in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park was full of energy and color. In past years, the State Park has also been crowded with vendors during the Cinco de Mayo weekend. But not this year. All the commercial vendors were outside the park, along San Diego Avenue, and I believe this was a great idea. The center of historic Old Town is a representation of what life was like in San Diego in the 1800s. Its emphasis today on the authentic baile folklórico competition, which attracted talented troupes from throughout California, and a whole lot of spectators, seemed just right!
How good was the dancing? The participants were motivated to go full tilt with a first place prize of one thousand dollars! The dancers were evaluated by several renowned Mexican judges. It was fantastic!
Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.A dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town’s grassy central plaza.Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the cool San Diego event!A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.These stomping guys are full of vigor and so is the crowd!Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers’ heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the cheering crowd.Another sensational performance!These were the first place winners!
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