Does the Egg Rule at the Border Count for Cascarones?
Does the Egg Rule at the Border count for cascarones?
If you're not an El Pasoan, or a transplant (like me) and not originally from the Southwest: let's start with the most important information.
A cascarón is a hollowed-out chicken egg filled with confetti or small toys. According to Wikipedia, they 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 American and Mexican border towns (like El Paso), the cultures combined to make them a popular Easter tradition.
Boom.
The best part about cascarones? Smashing it on someone's head. See below.
Now for the "Egg Rule" at the border.
Customs says you can't bring more than 12 decorated eggs across the border. This number SURE DOES include cascarones. It sure does. In fact, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a news release recently reminding travelers they can only bring a maximum of 12 cascarones when entering the US ahead of Easter celebrations.
So there you have it. Whether it's an Easter egg or a cascarón... the limit is 12.
There are many diseases that can come across the border via dirty eggshells. That's actually one of the reasons why there are such strict rules regarding fresh eggs, raw chicken, or live birds. None of which are allowed into the U.S. at the border from Mexico.
Bird Flu can also be transmitted from eggshells, which according to our news partners over at KVIA, was one of the reasons for the egg shortage recently.
Check out the video below from Better Homes & Gardens that shows exactly how to make and use a cascarón. No chickens were harmed in the making of this article or video.