The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-07-31


Sy Johns Day-H,gh Mass-Nopei Quadriiss-
Nocturnal -Fandangos-St. Peters
Ddy-Donkeys in Demand.
Tho oath, 25th, and 26th OF June are celebrated
in this country as the feast of St. John. We were
Weakened at early dawn by the cathedral bells. On
our arrival at the Plsza, found the cathedral full
and the "high mass" nearly over. Hundreds Of
brish. faces and beautiful forms moved in quick
succession by u.s. The band marched on-the priest
went home, and we were alone.
At 8 o'clock P. NJ the 'qusdriIles" commenced
asse mbling Imsgne fifty qusdrillss each consisting
Of from twenty to hundred persons, male and fe-
male, nc united upon graceful horses, richly c,mpa.
risoned with saddles and brides Of silver. Each
uusdyile has its caption eiher male or female) and
under her direction they march in couples through
the streets. Each rider shows of his horse to this
best advantage. At s O'Clock they assemble at the
race oeurae. the length Of the course is 500 yards,
in straight line. Two, and sometimes four or six,
make race. The course is lined on either side With
ssnoritas en- horseback. The band strikes up
of 60 four, then two. then six, and 80 on in
rapid succession until tbs course il flied with horses
81 full speed. Down goes rider, horse and all. No
o0e stops for him. Hs must take care of hi nself.
The ladies' laugh at him. the boys jesr him. the dogs
bark ct him. Delay is dangerous, 80 he is up aud
off as soon possible. The scene to locker on is
rich beyond description. The fun has just COM
mencso. The quadriile reform under their capi
tans.
We were fortunate enough to bs in the quadrille
whose captain was Senorita Thomasita, tAe gov
eancx's daughter, mounted on thorough brsd
charger, who seemed 60 bs conscious ofthe rank and
beauty Of his mistress. Sac led US through this
drank to our bright sDd peausi!ul captan in park
hing champagne. Each oae OF US then bsing far
nished with botSlo Of wine or brandy, we COM
menced the pleasures OF the night. The captain
commenced tire national anthem, aocomp anled by
several guitars, a3cordeoDs, &c. Then came the
grand chorus, which was taken up by two other
Qusdries as they passsd. rnen came the gallon,
and then halt when lone song stirred our hearts,
and thtD-- DRINK.
In tzont OF sll the principal houses were platforms
for dancing, And liguts aud banners and music.
AZ each of these the queen of the night, the peer.
less Thomasts, wonld disDount, and, seecti ag
cavalier, dance fsndsDgo aud the quadrilie- -Jne
people keeping time by clapping their hands and
afngipg--and 30 spent tbs night. havs an 10
distinct remembrance Of seeisg q graceful form
slide from saddle ana then re.appear on balcony
and wave snowy scarf. Further than This depo
neLt saith mot.
The 25th and 2etb passed of the same way.
TIE 9th and 2Srh we're days of rest.
The 29th the feast Of St, Peter was celeb "a ed in
the same way, with this exception jackasses We're
the chargers. Horses We're not allowed in tbs
quadrile. saw twenty-five senoritas 10 one quad
rifle, ell mounted on jsckasses. cannot imagine
what possible connection there can be between 81
Peter and jacksss, and no one here could tell ns.