Cinco de Mayo Food & Drink Specials at Fiesta de Reyes
April 25, 2013
– Preliminary Rounds Hit the Stage on April 27 and 28; Finale on May 4—
Dance groups from throughout Southern California will meet and compete during the Fourth-Annual Fiesta de Reyes Folklórico Competition. The annual three-day event is scheduled to run during the last weekend of April and the first Saturday in May.
Folklórico is a traditional Latin American dance that emphasizes local folk culture with ballet characteristics. Teams may be comprised of all age groups from young children through adults in a variety of folklórico styles. Folklorico is a highly valued art form throughout Latin America.
All three days of the competition will be hosted by Univision’s Gabriel Sotelo.
“This is one of our favorite events of the entire year,” said Chuck Ross, the owner and operator of Fiesta de Reyes. “The energy that the dancers bring to the stage is awe-inspiring. The vibrant colors and lively traditional music combined with the dancers’ complete focus and dedication to their performances makes for a highly entertaining and thrilling experience for all.”
On Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., children and adult groups will each have 25 minutes to perform their best dances, representing many different regional styles of ballet folklórico. One finalist from the children’s groups and two finalists from the adult groups will be selected to advance to the finals.
A week later, on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to noon, the six finalists will return to the state park during the Cinco de Mayo celebration weekend to compete for the folklórico competition title and cash prizes.
The competition is free to the public attend and will take place in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Free parking available all day in and around the State Park as well as he Caltrans parking lot on Taylor Street on the weekends in t For more information, visit www.fiestadereyes.com.
All Beasts Blessed in Old Town Last Sunday
January 24, 2013
The fourth annual Blessing of the Animals in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park attracted more than 500 attendees and their pets this past Sunday. This was the highest attendance recorded in the event’s history. From a blue tonged lizard to a wolf hybrid dog, all animals were blessed by Monsignor Mark Campbell.
Chopper the Biker Dog at Blessing of the Animals 2013 (photo by Casey Dean)
Participating exhibitors included animal adoption agencies such as the Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego and Shelly’s Shelter. Chopper the Biker Dog and Sindi Somers were on hand to entertain and educate the crowd. Sponsored by Old Town’s Fiesta de Reyes, the event also featured a pet costume contest and a pet and owner look-a-like contest.
Msgr. Mark Campbell blessing the animals in the crowd (photo by Casey Dean)
Historically, this event has been happening for more than 300 years – dating back to the 1700s. The present day event is modeled after annual Benediction of the Beasts which celebrates St. Anthony of the Desert, the Patron Saint of Animals. For more information about Blessing of the Animals, call 619-297-3100.
Old Town’s Blessing of the Animals Jan. 20
January 11, 2013
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is hosting the 4th annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Jan.20, from noon to 3 p.m. The blessing is led by Monsignor Mark Campbell, but all faiths and convictions are welcome to celebrate the animals that make our lives so special. The blessings will take place between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Chopper the Biker Dog gets blessed at last year’s Blessing of the Animals event in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
There will be a pet expo with treats for pets and owners as well as activities for kids. Sky Hunters will be bringing exotic birds to the event and various rescue groups such as Emergency Animal Rescue will educate the public about rescuing, rehabilitating and supporting wild and domesticated animals.
There will also be animals available for adoption, animal-themed entertainment and a special appearance by Chopper the Biker Dog. Chopper is a one-year-old Boston terrier who is known all around the county for riding his own Harley Davidson motorcycle and his distinctive biker goggles.
Historically, this event has been happening for more than 300 years – dating back to the 1700s. In San Diego the annual Benediction of the Beasts celebrates St. Anthony of the Desert, the Patron Saint of Animals. Activities for both animals and families make this celebration both unique and very moving to all who participate.
Admission to this event is free. For more information, visit: http://www.facebook.com/fiestadereyes or call 619-297-3100.
Ring in the New Year with Luis Max and the Blue Moon at Fiesta de Reyes
December 31, 2012
Have you made your New Year’s Eve plans yet? Luis Max and the Blue Moon take the Fiesta de Reyes stage from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free and fun for the whole family!
Taxi Driver Appreciation Day at Fiesta de Reyes
December 17, 2012
Beep beep, honk honk! Watch out, taxi cabs rolling on through at Fiesta de Reyes! Taxi Driver Appreciation Day was a great success last Wednesday. In hopes of educating the taxi community about our somewhat hidden location, Fiesta de Reyes honored drivers with a special gift and a free to-go lunch. Participating taxi companies included Yellow Cab, USA limited Cab, San Diego Silver Cab, Red Cab Company, Transit Cab, and West Coast Cab Company. The first fifty drivers also received a t-shirt and a bottle of our special hot sauce. Stay tuned for details for next year’s date.
Fiesta de Reyes Group Sales Manager Amber Baker hands a Fiesta de Reyes lunch to a Jazzy Cab taxi driver.
Review From Lady and the Blog
December 12, 2012
Check out this great review of Barra Barra Saloon from Lady and the Blog:
“Finally, my favorite meal of the trip, and my cannot be missed recommendation: Barra Barra Saloon located in Old Town on Fiesta de Reyes.
When in California, I expect to have great Mexican food and Barra Barra Saloon did not disappoint. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere at Barra Barra draws you in, and the fire pits in the outdoor dining room give the whole restaurant a warm cozy ambiance. To start out your meal, the guacamole is a must as is the heavenly mango and sea bass ceviche. The chicken mole and tamales are not to be missed, but it is hard to go wrong on the Barra Barra menu.
Between the Best $5 Margaritas in San Diego and the Kids Eat Free promotion, Barra Barra Saloon knows how to please its guests. After experiencing a wonderful evening and a memorable dinner there, I recommend you put Barra Barra Saloon on your must visit list during your San Diego adventure.”
The Old Town Gingerbread House Tour
December 10, 2012
Check out the following businesses in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park that will feature gingerbread houses:
1. Fiesta de Reyes
2. Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant
3. Toler’s Leather
4. Toler’s Footwear
5. The Johnson House
6. Rust General Store
7. Rob-Rose Visitor Center
8. Captain Fitch’s
9. Tienda de Reyes
10. Hot Licks
11. El Centro Artesano
12. Wells Fargo Museum
13. House of Jerky
14. Temecula Olive Oil
15. Cousin’s Candy
16. The Tinsmith Shop
17. Old Town Ice Cream
18. Geppetto’s Toys
19. Old Town Roasted Nuts
20. Urban Seed
21. Racine and Laramie
22. Viva El Cafe
Look for the gingerbread ornaments outside the shop to see which business has a gingerbread house inside.
Fiesta de Gingerbread
December 10, 2012
Fiesta de Gingerbread was created by Historic Interpreter Eric Minella.
Fiesta de Reyes is proud to participate in the Old Town Gingerbread Tour. More than 15 businesses in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park will be featured on the gingerbread tour. Come down and check out all the beautiful creations this December!
The gingerbread house first became popular in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published “Hansel and Gretel” in the 19th century. Early German settlers brought the gingerbread house to the Americas and the tradition become more and more popular in North America, especially in the 20th century.
Gingerbread houses have been around for hundreds of years. The first gingerbread is thought to have been made by Catholic monks in Europe for special holidays and festivals. England, France, and especially Germany were known to eat and celebrate with gingerbread treats.
December 2012 Monthly Specials
December 6, 2012
Monthly Drink Specials at Fiesta de Reyes for Dec. 2012
Azunia Sunset Margarita $7.50
Azunia Platino Tequila, Fresh Lime, Pineapple, Agavero Orange Liqueur and a Splash of Grenadine
Jarrito Margarita $8.50
A classic Margarita made with Premium Corzo Blanco Tequila, Fresh Lime, Triple Sec, Agave Nectar and your choice of Melon, Pomegranate or Blue Curacao topper served in a Handmade Jarrito cup on the side for you to mix. You keep the Jarrito!
Make it a 22oz Margarita and keep the souvenir glass and the Jarrito cup! $15.95
Monthly Food Specials (Dec 2012)
Barra Barra Specials — Dec. 1 through 15
Casa de Reyes Specials — Dec. 16 through 31
Mango Sea Bass Ceviche Quesadilla – $11.95
Chunks of Seabass, Mango, Red Onion, Cilantro and Fresh Lime Juice. Served with Guacamole, Pico de Gallo
and Sour Cream
Mole Verde Chicken – $13.95
Grilled Chicken Breast Topped with Homemade Mole Verde made from Pumpkin Seed, Epasote, Tomatillos, Cilantro, Onion, Garlic and Serrano Peppers. Served with Rice and Pinto Beans
Casa de Reyes Specials — Dec. 1 through 15
Barra Barra Specials — Dec. 16 through 31
Sea Bass con Rajas con Crema – $14.45
Sea Bass Stuffed with Smoked Gouda Mushrooms and Spinach Topped with Rajas con Crema. Served with Rice and Black Beans
Bistec Ranchero – $14.95
Tender Chunks of Steak Sautéed with Peppers, Onions, Tomato and Cilantro in a Rich Tomato Sauce. Served with Rice and Pinto Beans
