The annual tradition of celebrating the beginning of the "Season of Monsoon Rains" continues at Tucson's 11th el Día de San Juan (St. John’s) Fiesta. All of our Tucson community is invited to attend this event:
Date: Tuesday, June 24
Time:5 pm until 10 pm
Location: West Congress St. at the Santa Cruz River (south side, west bank).
The celebration of St. John’s birthday was once one of the most important and colorful events in Tucson and the Southwest and was brought into this region by the Spanish missionaries in the 1600s.
The “modern day” el Día de San Juan Fiesta started in 1998 and helps us remember the importance of water in our desert. St. John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of water, was honored and asked that he help bring the rains so the crops be plentiful.
The Statue of St. John the Baptist is carried into the Festival in a traditional procession and the ceremony that includes the “Blessing of the Altar” follows at 5:30 PM on-site in front of the stage. Persons interested in walking in the procession are asked to meet and gather at the southeast comer of the festival site on or before 5:00 PM at 301 W. Commerce Loop off of Bonita Avenue.
The entertainment portion begins around 5:45 PM featuring the Charros and Escaramuzas performing on horseback. There will be dance groups and live music throughout, including a lot of family entertainment that includes children’s games and activities.
ATTENDANCE IS FREE! Food and refreshments will be sold on site. Parking will be available off West Congress Street.
We invite the media to be part of this exciting event as a sponsor and help promote the culture, history and traditions of the people of the Sonoran desert. The proceeds of this event are used to fund non-profit organizations and their projects.
El Día de San Juan is sponsored by a partnership of public, private, and westside neighborhood organizations, including the City of Tucson.
For more information on the event or if you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact one of the people listed below. ¡Gracias y Bienvenidos!
Lillian Lopez Grant, Chair - 520-791-0925
Rose J Nenninger, 520-573-7138 – r.nenninger@cox.net
Carlos Romero, Ward 1 Council Office - 520-791-4040
View, download, or print a flier for Dia de San Juan
View, download, or print the Dia de San Juan Acknowledgements and Program of Events
Find out more on being a sponsor or getting actively involved
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MORE BACKGROUND
Escaramuzas - Charras
Escaramuza means skirmish in Spanish. Women on horseback would follow soldiers, during the revolution, carrying food and supplies. Sometimes, in an effort to trick the enemy, the women would ride off in the wrong direction, then turn and cut their horses back and forth, kicking up dust, luring the enemy away. It was all about distraction.
Escaramusas are a Mexican Equestrian Drill Team that perform Precision Drills at Gallop Speed in an arena. They exist throughout Arizona, New Mexico, California and Méxjco and participate in the national sports, specifically the Mexican Rodeo known as ‘Charreadas’.
Escaramuzas’ clothing is reminiscent of the modest dress of the SOLDADERAS also known as the ADELITAS, who fought and perished alongside the men the Mexican Revolution. Escaramuzas traditionally perform “Las Coronelas” played by a live Mariachi or when not available, a traditional Sinaloense Band—lending an excellent background for Dance on horseback!
Who are We?
The” Escaramuzas Florecitas Del Desierto” was started eight years ago in Tucson , Arizona . We are called “Escaramuza Charra” and compete in the “Charreada”, the Mexican Rodeo. We are a group of young ladies between the ages of 12 and 40+.
The “Florecitas Del Desierto” is the only federated “Escaramuza” group in Tucson, Arizona. We have been federated with the National “Charros” Association for five years. This federation allows us to compete professionally in State, Regional and National Levels of Competition. We do precision drills at gallop speeds while doing complex maneuvers while riding side saddle.
We are federated under the “Asociación La Guadalupana” and both of our groups truly try to keep the tradition of the “Escaramuza” and the “Charreria” alive and authentic.
Florecitas del Desierto are as follows:
Ashley Nicole Salomón, Brianna Antoniette Altamirano, Dalia Raquel De La Cruz, Denys Dione Marquez, Dina Marie Islas, “Capitana”, Elaine G.M. Garayzar, “Vice-President/Trainer”, Loyola Luisa Serna, Marquisa Samantha Curiel, Yvonne Stephanie Serna and Veronica Ruiz-Ronquillo.
What do we wear?
Being federated means that we have to follow very strict rules and regulations regarding every aspect; from our dresses, the matching tack that our horses use, our exercises in the arena, and even our music which must be traditional “Mariachi” music. Our dresses are “Adelita” style and have to be made of certain materials, mainly cotton, the ribbons we use on our dresses and bows for our hair cannot be flashy. Our skirts must have at least three layers of ruffles and lace. We also wear petticoats under our dresses which must be starched to a certain stiffness, and bloomers. Our boots are authentic “Escaramuza” boots, our “Espuela” (Spur) and “ Sombrero” (hat); have to be authentic “Charro Attire”.
Gabril Francisco - Classical Guitarrist
Gabriel Francisco Romo was born in Tucson Arizona on September 2, 1973, and graduated from Cholla High School. He acquired his interest in music when he was 13 years old.
One day he heard three young men play the guitars at his parents' Mexican restaurant and was amazed how beautiful the guitars sounded. One of the young men taught him the basics of guitar playing and from there Gabriel continued on his own listening to different types of music and learning them by ear.
Gabriel lived in San Antonio, Texas, where he has pursued his career in music as a songwriter, composer, studio musician and a performer in the Tex-Mex industry. He is back home and is currently he is touring the southwest playing his style of music.
Danzacultura Mexicana
Has existed for over 15 years and comprised of students that vary in ages from 2 years to 14 years of age.
These children bring their talents to our community as a non profit group. Their classes are held at the El Rio community center and they are free of charge. El Rio Neighborhood Center has been very supportive and facilitates classes once a week from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. The director and instructor is Carmen Baron, who feels that these classes help the children keep a high scholastic average.
Ms. Baron feels that all children should have the opportunity to be exposed to not only their native cultures but all other cultures as well through music and dance.
Charreada
A charreada is a rodeo. A festive event that incorporates competition. It allows horseman or women to demonstrate their ranching skills (horse trappings, etc). It’s a festival with traditional music like mariachi music (who are dressed in popular clothing (most recently charro suits) which encompasses the essence of Mexico and its people. It is something cultural, spiritual and traditional that is unique to this country, an experience not to be missed). Charros, Vaqueros and Escaramuzas are the participants during a charreada. The charros and charras (cowboy and cowgirl) compete in roping and riding events. There are also shows of Escaramuzas, which is a team of woman who execute daring feats and precision maneuvers while riding sidesaddle.
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