Tag: culture

A colorful walk down San Diego Avenue in Old Town.

Making fresh tortillas for people walking down the sidewalk in front of Cafe Coyote. Eat these hot with melted butter and you're in heaven.
Making fresh tortillas for people walking down the sidewalk. Eat these hot with melted butter and you’re in heaven.

I enjoyed an exhilarating walk through Old Town today.

Here are some colorful photos of what you might discover while strolling down San Diego Avenue, just south of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

You’ll find all sorts of shops, Mexican restaurants and cantinas, a few historical sights, and sidewalks full of smiling tourists and locals enjoying one of San Diego’s favorite destinations.

A guitarist walks down a sidewalk in Old Town. You'll find plenty of music and life up and down San Diego Avenue.
A guitarist walks down a sidewalk in Old Town. You’ll find plenty of music and energy up and down San Diego Avenue.
There are tantalizing sights everywhere you turn. The commercial part of Old Town is a popular destination for tourists visiting San Diego.
There are tantalizing sights everywhere you turn. The commercial part of Old Town is a popular destination for tourists visiting San Diego.
Many colorful items for sale at shops up and down San Diego Avenue are from Mexico, or have a Mexican theme.
Many colorful items for sale at shops up and down San Diego Avenue are from Mexico, or have a Mexican theme.
I love rocks and minerals, so of course I had to poke my nose in here.
I love rocks and minerals, so of course I had to poke my nose in here.
Just a riot of color in one window! Mexican culture adds a great deal of life to San Diego and this region.
Just a riot of color in one window! Mexican culture adds a great deal of life to San Diego and this region.
I blogged about this public art a while back. Beyond the crazy cowboy shootout is the entrance to the Old Town Chamber of Commerce.
I blogged about this public art a while back. Beyond the crazy cowboy shootout is the entrance to the Old Town Chamber of Commerce.

I stepped inside the Old Town Chamber of Commerce Information Center and checked out a few cool exhibits. In the event you ever visit Old Town, make sure to stop here to grab a map, brochures, and a bunch of valuable coupons for nearby restaurants and businesses!

A cool model of a Spanish galleon (I believe) and some useful free literature inside the Visitor Information center.
A cool model of a Spanish galleon (I believe) and some useful free literature inside the Visitor Information center.
Several interesting historical photographs can be found inside the Old Town Chamber of Commerce. This one from 1898 shows tiny Old Town San Diego at the base of Presidio Hill.
Several interesting historical photographs can be found inside the Old Town Chamber of Commerce. This one from 1898 shows tiny Old Town San Diego at the base of Presidio Hill.
Vintage photo of the famous Whaley House, the oldest brick house in California, built in 1854.
Vintage photo of the famous Whaley House, the oldest brick house in California, built in 1854. (That’s what it reads. Every source I’ve seen says the house was actually built in 1857.)
The Whaley House as it appears today on San Diego Avenue. It's reputed to be the most haunted place in America! (Just to be careful, I stayed across the street.)
The Whaley House as it appears today on San Diego Avenue. It’s reputed to be the most haunted place in America! (Just to be careful, I stayed across the street.  Those spooks didn’t have a ghost of a chance!)
The Sheriff's Museum on San Diego Avenue. I've yet to visit this place! So much still to do!
The Sheriff’s Museum on San Diego Avenue. I’ve yet to visit this place! So much still to do!
The El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town is where many of San Diego's earliest residents are buried.
The El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town is where many of San Diego’s earliest residents are buried.
Many curios and crafts for sale in Old Town shops are related to Mexico's traditional Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Many curios and crafts for sale in Old Town shops are related to Mexico’s traditional Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
A festive banner in a perfect San Diego sky.
A festive banner in a perfect San Diego sky.
Rounding a corner, searching for more unique discoveries!
Rounding a corner, searching for more unique discoveries!
This shop contains all sorts of Old West-themed stuff for sale. There's so much on display, it boggles the mind!
This shop contains all sorts of Old West-themed stuff for sale. There’s so much on display, it boggled my mind!
A walk down San Diego Avenue in Old Town San Diego is never dull!
A walk down San Diego Avenue in Old Town San Diego is never dull!

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International Folk Dance Spring Festival in Balboa Park!

Artwork hung near entrance of the Balboa Park Club depicts Greek folk dancers.
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.
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!
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.
People get ready to perform a social dance in the amazing 13,000 square feet ballroom inside the Balboa Park Club.
People at the International Folk Dance Spring Festival in Balboa Park learn Greek dancing!
Ordinary people at the International Folk Dance Spring Festival in Balboa Park learn Greek dancing!
Life is beautiful. Indeed, it is!
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.
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!
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!
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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Shakespeare’s First Folio exhibit coming to San Diego!

William Shakespeare

I learned something extraordinary today!

From June 4 to July 7, free to the public, an authentic First Folio of William Shakespeare will be on display at the San Diego Central Library downtown, in their 9th floor art gallery!

Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a very rare First Folio, containing some the most important works of English and World Literature ever penned! The book will be opened at Hamlet’s famous line “To be or not to be” — and unquestionably many eyes will read it! In addition, the exhibition will include other material concerning Shakespeare, his history and his work. There will also be interesting items from the world-famous Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, including Shakespearean props, costumes and photographs of past theatrical productions.

The First Folio is on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. The special exhibition is in honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

But that’s not all! Throughout this spring and summer, over the course of several months, the Old Globe Theatre and the San Diego Public Library will be teaming up with various schools and organizations to bring our city a whole slew of exciting activities celebrating William Shakespeare. There are plays, recitations, lectures, reenactments, games, film screenings, teas and a whole bunch more. Many of the activities will be held at different libraries around the city. It’s all too much to detail here. So check out the official website!

This is going to be great fun!

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Photos of International Mariachi Festival in National City.

A friendly Mariachi band smiles as photos are taken!
A friendly Mariachi band smiles as photos are taken!

Today I rode the trolley down to the South Bay to enjoy the big 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition.

The annual cultural event takes place in Pepper Park, which is located close to where the Sweetwater River empties into San Diego Bay.

I was absolutely amazed by the color, the energy, the sheer happiness of those participating and watching. Hopefully my photos provide a taste…

A colorful arch welcomes visitors to Pepper Park and the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival!
A colorful arch welcomes visitors to Pepper Park and the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival!
The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation has benefited many music-loving students in San Diego County.
The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation has benefited many music-loving students in San Diego County.
Fantastic sombreros attracted my camera at the festival's Mariachi Scholarship Foundation table.
Fantastic sombreros attracted my camera at the festival’s Mariachi Scholarship Foundation table.
The grand stage drew the largest crowd. Many excellent Mariachi groups and baile folklorico dancers wowed the audience.
The grand stage drew the largest crowd. Many excellent Mariachi groups and baile folklorico dancers wowed the audience.
A smiling senorita at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City.
A smiling senorita at the International Mariachi Festival and Competition in National City.
Members of Danza Folklorico Las Florecitas perform Mexican folk dances in Pepper Park.
Members of Danza Folklorico Las Florecitas perform Mexican folk dances in Pepper Park.
Mariachi musicians perform on the main stage at the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition. They received loud cheers.
Mariachi musicians perform on the main stage at the 2016 National City International Mariachi Festival and Competition. They received loud cheers.
A cheerful dress on a beautiful day in San Diego's South Bay. A nearby boat ramp leads into the channel of the Sweetwater River.
A cheerful dress on a beautiful day in San Diego’s South Bay. A nearby boat ramp leads into the channel of the Sweetwater River.
Colorful, energetic folklorico dancing on a smaller, non-competitive stage.
Colorful, energetic folklorico dancing on a smaller, non-competitive stage.
A diverse audience from San Diego, Tijuana and the surrounding region. Even many of the participants enjoyed the non-stop entertainment.
A diverse audience from San Diego, Tijuana and the surrounding region. Many of the participants also enjoyed the non-stop entertainment.
Taking a break to stretch my legs, I walked out on the short pier in National City's Pepper Park. Visible is a huge car carrier ship docked in San Diego Bay. It transported imported vehicles from Asia.
Taking a break to stretch my legs, I walked out onto the short pier in National City’s Pepper Park. Visible is a huge car carrier ship docked in San Diego Bay. It transported imported vehicles from Asia.
Looking back at the smaller stage. Some dancers wearing bright yellow are getting ready for their turn to perform.
Looking back at the rear of the smaller stage. Some dancers wearing bright yellow are getting ready for their turn to perform.
Young dancers on stage whirled, stepped smartly, then whirled again.
Young dancers on stage whirled, stepped smartly, then whirled again.
Mexican culture is warm, happy and lots of fun.
Mexican culture is warm, happy and lots of fun.
These ladies in costume were taking their turns at one of the festival's many prize wheels!
These ladies in traditional costume were taking their turns at one of the festival’s many prize wheels!
Dancing with joy.
Dancing with joy.
A typical scene from the annual Mariachi festival in National City.
A typical scene from the annual Mariachi festival in National City.

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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!

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Welcome new visitors to Cool San Diego Sights!

Superman cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con. This blog likes to have fun! One photo of thousands on Cool San Diego Sights!
Superman cosplay at San Diego Comic-Con. This blog likes to have fun!  Just one photo of thousands that you can discover on Cool San Diego Sights!

Welcome to everyone visiting Cool San Diego Sights! In particular, I want to greet those arriving from Pinterest! Thanks for checking out my fun photo blog!

Cool San Diego Sights has grown so huge, I now have thousands of photographs that you might enjoy, and possibly pin and share! I’ve got pics of public art, historic places, cultural attractions, tourist destinations, unique events, San Diego Comic-Con, Balboa Park, tall ships, surfers, street performers, crafts and hobbies, funny stuff, flowers and beautiful landscapes, and just lots and lots of diverse, inspiring and interesting stuff! I can hardly believe it, myself!

To see if your interests can be found on Cool San Diego Sights, simply use the search box in my blog’s sidebar. Or click on a tag. Chances are you’ll get lots of results!

Thanks again for visiting, and perhaps following along on my photo adventures! There’s a lot more fun ahead!

Richard

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can enjoy more Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Lion dances and fun in downtown San Diego!

Lion dancer meets small visitor to the 34th Annual 2016 San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair.
Lion dancer meets small visitor to the 34th Annual 2016 San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, a special festival is being held this weekend in downtown San Diego, in the historic old Chinatown section, now known as the Asian Thematic District. The event is called the 34th Annual 2016 San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair, and it’s being put on by the San Diego Chinese Center (SDCC). You can find the fun on two blocks adjacent to the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. There are lion dances, drummers, temple dancers, story telling, a kung fu demonstration, and just lots and lots of cool sights.

I walked through the festival this morning around 10 o’clock and observed the opening ceremonies. Here are some colorful pics!

The CCBA Lucky Lion Dancers would soon be heading down the street through the crowd.
The CCBA Lucky Lion Dancers would soon be heading down the street through the crowd.
Tables in front of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum contained arts, crafts and many unique cultural objects.
Tables in front of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum contain arts, crafts and many unique cultural objects.
These funny faces were for sale in a vendor's booth. There was lots of Chinese food and a variety of colorful wares for visitors to purchase.
These funny faces were for sale in a vendor’s booth. There was a lot of Asian food and a variety of colorful wares for visitors to purchase.
Uniquely beautiful Asian art could be seen up and down the street during the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair.
Uniquely beautiful art could be seen up and down the street during the San Diego Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Fair.
Anyone could have their name written in Chinese!
Anyone could have their name written in Chinese!
2016 is the Year of the Golden Monkey. Monkey is the ninth zodiac animal in the twelve year cycle of the Chinese calendar.
2016 is the Year of the Golden Monkey. Monkey is the ninth zodiac animal in the twelve year cycle of the Chinese calendar.
The opening ceremony included an elaborate lion dance, then the display of this banner by San Diego dignitaries.
The opening ceremony included an elaborate lion dance on stage, then the display of this banner by San Diego dignitaries.
The energetic, exciting lion dance resumed, and people fed the lions red envelopes full of money for good luck!
The energetic, exciting lion dance resumed, and people fed the lions red envelopes full of money for good luck!
An explosion of lettuce from the hungry lions during the dance was cleaned up on the stage afterward! Lettuce symbolizes a fresh start in a new year.
An explosion of lettuce from the hungry lions during the dance was cleaned up on the stage afterward! Lettuce symbolizes a fresh start in a new year.
A drummer helps spur the dancing lions, a Laughing Buddha and a monkey into action!
A drummer helps spur the dancing lions, a Laughing Buddha and a monkey into action!
A long Chinese dragon on display. I believe a dragon dance would take place later. One of many cool sights at the annual San Diego festival!
A long Chinese dragon on display. I believe a dragon dance would take place later. One of many cool sights at the annual San Diego festival!

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Outdoor sculptures being installed in Balboa Park!

Many outdoor sculptures are being introduced into Balboa Park. The exhibit is titled Art of the Open Air. It is a unique project of the San Diego Museum of Art.
Many outdoor sculptures are being introduced into Balboa Park. The exhibit is titled Art of the Open Air. It’s a unique project of the San Diego Museum of Art.

During the past week, a number of sculptures in the San Diego Museum of Art’s collection have been carefully moved into the Plaza de Panama, a large outdoor gathering place in Balboa Park. For the next two years, anyone in San Diego will be able to freely enjoy the sculptures, and see them in changing light, beneath different skies. Moving such large pieces has taken a lot of work, but I noticed today that the installation, titled Art of the Open Air, is approaching completion.

Included in the unique outdoor exhibition are works by world-famous artists Joan Miró, Auguste Rodin and Tony Rosenthal. I wasn’t able to approach the artwork too closely–right now, while the sculptures are being readied, they’re still roped off. The same goes for a new piece in the museum’s May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden, which I also photographed from a bit of a distance. I put some identifying information in the photo captions.

Art of the Open Air is set to run from February 11, 2016 through February 13, 2018. I can already see that Balboa Park is going to be more lively and interesting than ever!

Alexander Calder. Spinal Column, 1968. Steel. A sculpture being installed in the San Diego Museum of Art's outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
Alexander Calder. Spinal Column, 1968. Steel. A sculpture being installed in the San Diego Museum of Art’s outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
Lynn Russell Chadwick. The Watchers, 1960. Bronze. Now stands in Balboa Park's beautiful Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibition.
Lynn Russell Chadwick. The Watchers, 1960. Bronze. Now stands in Balboa Park’s beautiful Plaza de Panama, part of the Art of the Open Air exhibition.
Auguste Rodin. The Prodigal Son, 1905. Bronze. Installed in the northwest corner of the Plaza de Panama, where the sculpture Youth Taming the Wild (Horse Trainer) used to stand.
Auguste Rodin. The Prodigal Son, 1905. Bronze. Installed in the northwest corner of the Plaza de Panama, where the sculpture Youth Taming the Wild (Horse Trainer) used to stand.
I can't find anything about this piece, but it seems somehow familiar. If you know what it is, leave a comment!
I can’t find anything about this piece, but it seems strangely familiar. If you know what it is, leave a comment!  UPDATE: I learned the bronze sculpture is called Mother and Daughter Seated, by Francisco Zuniga, 1971
Two very fine sculptures that will soon will be approachable in Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama.
Two very fine sculptures that will soon will be approachable in Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama.
Joan Miró. Solar Bird, 1966. Bronze. Standing guard near the entrance to the San Diego Museum of Art.
Joan Miró. Solar Bird, 1966. Bronze. Standing guard near the entrance to the San Diego Museum of Art.
Tony Rosenthal. Odyssey III, 1967. Aluminum.
Tony Rosenthal. Odyssey III, 1967. Aluminum.
Photo across front of the San Diego Museum of Art, the north end of Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama. Outdoor art is being installed.
Photo across front of the San Diego Museum of Art, the north end of Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama. Outdoor art is being installed.
Luis Jiménez. Border Crossing/Cruzando el Rio Bravo, 1989. Fiberglass with acrylic urethane finish. Stands outside the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Panama 66.
Luis Jiménez. Border Crossing/Cruzando el Rio Bravo, 1989. Fiberglass with acrylic urethane finish. Stands outside the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Panama 66.
Monumental totem-like sculpture depicts artist's immigrant grandfather carrying wife and son, crossing the Rio Bravo River.
Monumental totem-like sculpture depicts artist’s immigrant grandfather carrying wife and son, crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico.
A large sculpture seems to stride into the life-filled Plaza de Panama in San Diego's historic Balboa Park.
A large sculpture seems to stride into the life-filled Plaza de Panama in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park.

Do you like to read original, thought-provoking fiction? Please visit Short Stories by Richard.

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Local authors honored by San Diego Public Library!

The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit - Golden Anniversary - runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.
The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit – Golden Anniversary – runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.

San Diego is the home of many thoughtful, creative residents. Proof of this can be seen at downtown’s San Diego Public Library, where a special exhibit features books by local writers that were published in 2015. It’s an impressive visual tribute to local writing talent. Works of fiction and nonfiction alike are on proud display. Congratulations to all!

Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and several lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!

I made a cool discovery! It’s Bill Swank’s new book Christmas in San Diego! I blogged about it a couple months ago!

Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate's Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate’s Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America's Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O'Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America’s Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O’Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, children's book--San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, young adult and children’s books . . . San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!

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Photos of Mormon Battalion Commemoration in Old Town.

Lots of music was being played during today's Mormon Battalion Commemoration event in Old Town San Diego.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Various exhibits recreated aspects of camp life, and life in San Diego during the mid-19th century.
Marshmallow treats on a stick. Lots of families were present for the very popular history-based event.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
A guitar and a banjo create upbeat frontier-style music.
This nice lady at an information stand gave the thumbs up for my camera!
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!
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.
This lady was hammering glowing red hot iron while kids watched.
A miniature donkey pulls an elegant cart!
A miniature donkey pulls an elegant cart!

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Photos of Chinese New Year celebration in Balboa Park.

A special House of China lawn program at Balboa Park's International Cottages celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with music and dance.
A special House of China lawn program at Balboa Park’s International Cottages celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year with food, music and dance.

Today I headed to Balboa Park hoping to catch part of the House of China’s lawn program at the International Cottages. The cultural event celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year, which occurs on February 8. It’s the Year of the Monkey!

I wasn’t the only one who thought of attending! An unusually big crowd turned out for the colorful festivities.

Here come a few cool pics!

Many displays were at the Chinese New Year event in Balboa Park. This gentleman wrote people's names using Mandarin characters.
Several fascinating displays were at the Chinese New Year event in Balboa Park. This gentleman wrote people’s names using Mandarin characters.
Lots of authentic Chinese food was being gobbled up, including these Green Onion Pancakes!
Lots of authentic Chinese food was being gobbled up, including these Green Onion Pancakes!
Many Balboa Park visitors were heading into the House of China cottage today.
Many Balboa Park visitors were heading into the House of China cottage today.
Fine exhibits inside the House of China include this interesting carp made of animal horn.
Fine exhibits inside the House of China include this interesting carp made of animal horn.
Kids look into a display case containing many porcelain dolls.
Kids look into a display case containing many porcelain dolls.
A colorful collection of beautiful porcelain dolls inside the House of China in San Diego's always wonderful Balboa Park!
A colorful collection of beautiful porcelain dolls inside the House of China in San Diego’s always wonderful Balboa Park!

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