<P> A cascarón (plural cascarones, without accent mark; from Spanish cascarón, "eggshell", the augmentative form of cáscara, "shell") is a hollowed - out chicken egg filled with confetti or small toys . Cascarones are common throughout Mexico and are similar to the Easter eggs popular in many other countries . They are mostly used in Mexico during Carnival, but in US and Mexico border towns the cultures combined to make them a popular Easter tradition . </P> <P> Decorated, confetti - filled cascarones may be thrown or crushed over the recipient's head to shower them with confetti . In addition to Easter, cascarones have become popular for occasions including birthdays, Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, Dieciséis, Day of the Dead, and weddings (wedding cascarones can be filled with birdseed). Like many popular traditions in Mexico, cascarones are increasingly popular in the southwestern United States . For example, they are especially prominent during the two - week, citywide festival of Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas . Cascarones are usually made during Easter time . </P>

Hollowed out eggs filled with confetti or toys in mexico