Pysanky are traditional Ukrainian decorated eggs. They are made for the celebration of Easter.
Today pysanky were being crafted in Balboa Park courtesy of the House of Ukraine!
Visitors to the Hall of Nations at the International Cottages could see how beautiful an intricate pysanka egg can be. The colorful designs are created through the use of carefully applied beeswax and the wax-resist process.
Kids could color some designs on paper, too.
There were other traditional Ukrainian crafts on display at several tables, including often armless Motanka dolls. Motanka dolls are like talismans, said to grant wishes, such as guarding the family or a happy, prosperous marriage.
At one table, I learned how an organization called Healing Scalpel is helping to provide medical supplies and services to people devastated by the war in Ukraine.
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You know St. Patrick’s Day is coming up in San Diego, because the House of Ireland had their big lawn program this afternoon in Balboa Park!
What did I see?
Smiles throughout the big crowd! Lots of green! Irish coffee! Irish stew! Traditional baked goods! A rousing opening parade involving all of the event participants! The Cameron Highlanders with bagpipes and drums! Sprightly tunes! Energetic step dancing! Reels and jigs! The audience clapping along to the music!
If you missed it, I suggest you catch the House of Ireland lawn program next year!
I learned that San Diego Comhaltas is looking for new members. This group loves to perform Irish music and dance! Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish culture!
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Wow! The House of India in Balboa Park put on one of the most colorful, dynamic events today that you’ll likely to ever experience!
Their cultural lawn program at the International Cottages was jam-packed with dance groups leaping and twirling to upbeat music, much of it inspired by Bollywood.
A large crowd watched the entertainment while sitting on the grass and eating traditional Indian food, like tandoori and, my favorite, samosas.
When each dance number concluded, there was enthusiastic cheering!
I took a couple of photos at the House of India cottage, checked out an art creation station and a game of carrom, then sat down on a bench by the International Cottages stage just before two-o’clock to capture some of the fun!
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
An inspirational event was enjoyed by many today in San Diego. It was the first ever African American Heritage Celebration in Balboa Park!
The House of USA hosted this program at the International Cottages for Black History Month. Starting at 2 o’clock, the celebration was jam-packed with history, culture, education and optimism.
Community organizations had booths around the lawn, and some tasty food was served up on the patio in front of the House of USA cottage.
I thought the highlight of the event were the young speakers and dancers who took to the stage. They were like bright stars shining for all to see.
The House of USA royal court read inspiring words from Kwame Alexander’s “The Undefeated.”
A local artist professor spoke about African American creators and how they connect and inspire the community.
A skit performed by young people reenacted the historic bravery of civil rights hero Rosa Parks on that segregated bus.
And there was much more!
Enjoy these photographs and be sure to go to this great event next year.
(And please read about several organizations in attendance that are working to make a positive impact…)
The above smiling young people are future leaders who are participating in the Dr. JAM Program! Click this link to visit the website.
Their motto is: In the depths of Wisdom abounds Knowledge!!! Knowledge is divine!! So I lend my ear to Listen, my heart to the Respect of my People and my soul to the Preservation of my Culture!
What’s the Uplift Institute? Just what it sounds like!
They are working to improve lives in the community, particularly when it comes to our shared environment. They have an event coming up called Sustainable ‘Hood Education and Career Expo ’23. It will be taking place May 6 at UC San Diego’s downtown Park and Market.
This organization empowers underserved, unemployed men, including Veterans and the unsheltered. They provide support for men who face challenges while attempting to transition back into the workplace to achieve self-sufficiency.
Tomorrow is Lunar New Year! It will be the Year of the Rabbit. (Which signifies good luck!)
This weekend the 2023 Chinese New Year Festival is being held in Balboa Park at the International Cottages. The event is presented by the House of China.
The festival attracted an absolutely gigantic crowd today. We heard from the stage that attendance this year set a record. The lawn at the International Cottages was jammed with humanity.
There were vendors, Chinese food, and a calligraphy demonstration inside the cottage of the House of China. Lots of kids became super excited after two o’clock when speeches ended and the traditional Lion Dance began!
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
After a two year hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, December Nights has returned to Balboa Park! San Diego’s epic holiday event appears to be back in a big way, with large crowds filtering into the park this evening.
I walked around before it became too dark for my old camera, taking in the festive scene. I saw Christmas decorations, lights, food, and many smiling faces. I saw Santa, too! My photos were taken before sundown, when I turned my feet for home and Balboa Park became really crowded!
Please enjoy these photos. If you’ve never been to December Nights, you can get an idea of what it’s like. The big event will continue tomorrow, Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm!
Holiday entertainment is featured throughout December Nights on the stage of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Cookies, cocoa and coffee at the Gingerbread House, at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Viewing the Nativity Display at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Fun holiday inflatables at the Japanese Friendship Garden.Write Out Loud tells a story at the Japanese Friendship Garden using a storybox, or kamishibai.Making ornaments at the Japanese Friendship Garden! Hello!Santa and his reindeer visit Balboa Park once again.Cool outfit!The colors of Christmas fill Spanish Village.I sampled Chider, a mix of hot chocolate and apple cider. It was really good!I’ve never seen so many food trucks in one place.Lots of Christmas sweaters spotted on El Prado. Whether they’re ugly or not, you decide.Those Seals sunglasses I won with your prize wheel are awesome! Thank you!Some cloggers take the stage near the Bea Evenson Fountain.A vendor had these fun Santa Claus gifts.The International Cottages serve up all sorts of holiday food from around the world.Heading down toward Balboa Park’s Palisades.Nice smile! (Took a little coaxing!)Gloved thumbs up. I guess I’m on the “nice” list.Yummy smells everywhere you walk.These smiling nutcrackers would be performing on stage later.These mimes would perform later, too!December Nights has returned to San Diego in 2022.
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
It’s easy to explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on this website’s sidebar. Or click a tag. There’s a lot of stuff to share and enjoy!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
December Nights is almost here! The huge holiday event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all around San Diego, will take place this Friday and Saturday in Balboa Park.
During my walk through Balboa Park’s International Cottages today, I noticed preparation for the event is already underway. Several of the cottages have put up Christmas trees and holiday decorations, and most of the other cottages, I was assured, will be joining them shortly.
Please enjoy a few photos!
This will be the first in-person December Nights since the closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I bet the crowds will be huge.
The first two photographs (above and below) were taken in the House of Mexico’s cottage.
At the House of Finland, traditional paper woven baskets called sydänkori were being created. They are used to decorate Christmas trees. Small presents such as gift cards fit neatly inside them!
Over at the House of Germany, I spotted a nutcracker, and a poster concerning a fall and winter Children’s Choir program!
At the House of USA cottage, I saw these Christmas decorations, including a bright, festive tree…
Look at all the Santa Clauses inside the House of Sweden cottage! I learned they’ll be for sale during December Nights.
Lastly, I discovered another beautiful Christmas tree inside the House of Denmark’s cottage…
If you head to Balboa Park during December Nights, make sure to visit the International Cottages. As usual, a wide variety of holiday food from all around the world will be a highlight!
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Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
It’s easy to explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on this website’s sidebar. Or click a tag. There’s a lot of stuff to share and enjoy!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
A fun special event was held today at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park. It was the San Diego Sister Cities 65 Year Celebration!
Music, food and dance was provided by various hosts, who represented some of San Diego’s sixteen Sister Cities. San Diego’s oldest Sister City partnership is with Yokohama, Japan. That relationship was established 65 years ago!
At information tables visitors to the event could learn about the history of different Sister Cities, and see how mutual programs, such as student and cultural exchanges, help create peace and understanding between nations.
I stayed for a bit and watched several dances while eating very tasty West African Ghana sambusa. I also asked a few questions at the tables, and learned much!
(By the way, there are signs in downtown’s Civic Center Plaza pointing to San Diego’s Sister Cities. I took photos of the signs years ago and posted them here!)
Alcalá de Henares, Spain has been a San Diego Sister City since 1982. It is the birthplace of Cervantes, author of Don Quixote!Tema, Ghana, has been Sister City to San Diego since 1976. The “Peace and Unity Wall” mosaic mural in Tema was made from supplies donated from San Diego.Crafts and cultural artifacts from Ghana.Jeonju, South Korea has been a San Diego Sister City since 1983. The San Diego-Jeonju Society introduces local students to Korean culture.Did you know Carlsbad, California has two Sister Cities? Kalovy Vary (Karlsbad), Czech Republic’s famed mineral springs inspired the naming of Carlsbad, whose artesian mineral water is nearly identical. Futtsu, Japan is the other Sister City.Images from the long history of San Diego and Yokohama, Japan’s deep Sister City ties. In the center is the Japanese Friendship Bell, which now stands on Shelter Island. See more about it here!Where there is friendship, there is much hope.A nice smile!Flamenco dancing to guitar celebrates Spain’s culture.Lunch! Yummy!Dancers representing Panama take the stage!
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Thank you for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often, so you might want to bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and check back from time to time.
You can explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on this website’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There’s a lot of stuff to share and enjoy!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Yesterday was Veterans Day. Today, Saturday, the House of USA in Balboa Park held a special program remembering and thanking Veterans.
I lingered on the lawn of the International Cottages for a while and listened to the music of the San Diego City Guard Band. I also listened to short speeches concerning sacrifices made by Veterans.
A local chapter of the DAR had a display out on the grass, which I also looked at. California is home to many Medal of Honor recipients.
Sadly, Balboa Park’s lawn programs are often not well attended. The few who sat down to listen today heard important stories about fellow citizens who fought to protect our Freedom.
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Thank you for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often, so you might want to bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and check back from time to time.
You can explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on this website’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There’s a lot of stuff to share and enjoy!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
A slow day in Balboa Park. Summer’s over, it’s getting cooler, and the holidays are still a few weeks away!
As I walked through the International Cottages, I saw the House of Chamorros musicians who call themselves Island Mist and Friends up on the stage creating beautiful music. This musical group often fills in when there are no scheduled lawn programs. This year’s cultural lawn programs are soon coming to an end.
I sat on a nearby bench and listened. The buoyant, happy, laid-back island tunes had a couple of arrivals dancing on the grass. And more people came as the performance continued!
Make beautiful music, and people will come!
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Thank you for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!
I post new blogs pretty often, so you might want to bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and check back from time to time.
You can explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on this website’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There’s a lot of stuff to share and enjoy!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Cool San Diego Sights! 