San Jose, CA – Celebrate early San Jose and the heritage of the Californios who settled along the Guadalupe River. History San José is hosting a Fandango on Sunday, August 25 at the Peralta Adobe Historic Site from noon to 4.
“Fandango is a fun way to celebrate the heritage of what we know today as Silicon Valley,” said Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José. “ So much of our language, foods, and aspects of our daily lives have been influenced by Spanish and Mexican culture. Come see how it all started!”
Typical of that era, there will be music and dancing, as well as a descedant of the original horses that were brought by the Spanish explorers. Children will have the opportunity to make sombreros, corn husk “pocket buddies”, candles, rope a steer named ‘Fernando’ and learn more about the original settlers, the Ohlones, and the rancho period of California.*
In the true meaning of Fandango, which is a Spanish dance, live music will be performed by Los Arribeños.
Special horse, ‘Stone Shield’ will make her appearance at Fandango. She is a paint mare, 18 years old with blue eyes, whose ancestry can be traced to horses ridden by Spanish settlers as they came to the new world. By 1492 Spain planned the expansion of their power, including into North America. It was the Spanish horses that carried the DeAnza party to settle Alta California and today provides the framework for thoroughbreds, standard breds, and the Morgan and quarter horse. Only 2,000 of the Colonial Spanish horses remain and are critically endangered.
At the Peralta Adobe historic site, located in the heart of what is today San Pedro Square Market, Luis Maria Peralta was one of the original residents. He was the Californio who lived in the Peralta Adobe with his family, and was one of the first Alcades (mayors) of Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.
Home tours of the Peralta Adobe, as well as the Fallon House across the street, are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $6 for children ages 12 to 17. As usual, members of History San José receive free admission. Adult tours of the Peralta Adobe and the Fallon House will be held at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tours especially created for children ages 4 to 11 will be at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and cost $5. These hands-on tours will allow children to dress in period costumes while learning about life in the early 1800’s. Reservations are suggested for the tours by calling 408 918 1040.
* Activitiy tickets are one dollar each or six for $5. HSJ members earn six free tickets when presenting membership card. Visit
historysanjose.org to print four free tickets. Activities will cost between one to four tickets.
The Peralta Adobe – Fallon House Historic Site is located at 175 West Saint John Street, in downtown San Jose, CA 95110. For more information call
408 918-1047 or visit
www.historysanjose.org
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About History San José:
History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.
History San José 1650 Senter Road San José, CA 95112 408.287.2290
Facebook: /historysanjose
Twitter: @historysanjose
