The Ramona Bowl: Tradition, History & Community
I was recently invited to visit the San Jacinto Valley and the Ramona Bowl courtesy of their tourism board. While I was quite excited about exploring a new destination, I will admit I was a bit hesitant. You see, the San Jacinto Valley requires me to take a drive on the 91. For my non-Southern California friends, just know I avoid the 91 at ALL costs! But after four days in the Valley I will say, 1) It was worth the drive; and 2) I can’t wait to go back!
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While in the San Jacinto Valley I visited the Ramona Bowl and fell in love. Three aspects of the amphitheater drew me in, and now I have this event marked on my calendar for the spring! I place great value on tradition, history and community and the Ramona Bowl is absolutely filled with all three!
Ramona Bowl Tradition
My family will tell you that I am obsessed with tradition! I like being able to look forward to events year after year and building traditions around those events. And the Ramona Bowl is steeped in tradition! The cast is made up of generations of families who participate, and have participated, for the last 90 years. The audience is comprised of families who have made it a tradition to attend together year after year. The volunteers who support the play come back year after year and this event is as much a part of their calendars as national holidays.
History of the Ramona Bowl
Not only is the story of Ramona filled with historical significance, but the amphitheater itself is filled with history. The drama is based on the book by Helen Hunt Jackson who lived a life of tragedy. Ramona was written in the late 1800’s as a fictional love story meant to be so compelling people would not be able to put it down. And in doing so, readers would learn about the injustices being done to Southern California’s native people. But the historical significance doesn’t end with the content of the play! Less than 10 years from the 100th anniversary of the play, the Ramona is the LONGEST running outdoor drama in the nation.
Value of Community
I think this was my favorite part of visiting the Ramona Bowl! Putting on Ramona every year is truly a community effort. The play is powered by hundreds of volunteers from actors to the costume department to those who work on sets to the snake handlers. Yup, you read that correctly! Because this is an outdoor play set in a mountainous hillside they need snake handlers on hand. The snake handlers watch for the cue that indicates there is a snake on set during the play. You can bet that if I was playing a rock Indian I would be nervous that a snake would slither by me and I would interrupt the whole show with my screams!
What is your favorite local community tradition?
30 Comments
Lauren
My daughter would love this! SO much fun stuff to see!
Sabine
So nice to be able to see some local culture. I love to see theatre in the outdoors, it gives an extra touch to the play. I’ve lived in Spain and there are so many local traditions that are worth a visit.
Lisa
So nice to celebrate cultural events and keep traditions alive. There must be many outdoor events to enjoy in Cali!
Rebecca Bryant
How cool. I love going to local theater adn seeing local art festivals.
Cassie May
There was an outdoor theater in my town growing up and I always loved going. This sounds so special and unique and I’d love to check it out or be involved (I might not volunteer to be a snake handler, though, lol!)
Julie - "Girl on the Move"
I could definitely never be the snake handler lol!
Reesa Lewandowski
This sounds like an amazing time. I love outdoor plays and it is so nice that you make it a tradition.
Cathy
Sounds like a beautiful spot for a play! I don’t mind snakes as long as they are not poisonous:)
Julie - "Girl on the Move"
I can’t do any kind of snake lol!
Logan
How fun is this? I have never heard of Ramona before, but definitely will look it up to read the story! You have me all curious now!
Julie - "Girl on the Move"
It’s a great story!
Jessica
What a cool place and event! I love outdoor theater, so fun!
Allison
This sounds like my type of event! I love an event that is not only outdoors but also promotes local culture!
Dana Vento
I’ve never been there, but I would like if I have a chance. I also love seeing another culture like this.
Wendy Polisi
Oh Wow! Those costumes are remembering 90’s. I would love to see local cultures too.
Debra
This sounds like a great event! I would love to see some local culture! I love watching stuff like this!
Rob Taylor
I’ve never heard of this. The SJV is a really cool place and it doesn’t surprise me that something like Ramona exists there. I’m so glad you got to experience one of the most overlooked parts of California.
Julie - "Girl on the Move"
As a SoCal native I’ll admit to not being fully aware of this part of SoCal and I’ve been missing out…there is so much to do in SJV!
Marta
This is so interesting, I had no idea this existed! I have never been to this part of California, but I would love to go and this is exactly the type of event I’d love to experience – I love traditions and when communities come together and still enjoy them
Terri Steffes
This sounds like fun. We have a community theater that is outdoors and we love to go and sit in the last five rows which are free seats. We take a picnic and enjoy the play!
Julie - "Girl on the Move"
What a fabulous day!
Robin Rue
This sounds like it would be such a great time. I am loving the costumes for the event too!
Kevin Wagar
I love experiencing local plays and festivals. The Ramona Bowl sounds like a wonderful experience! What a great community.
Julie - "Girl on the Move"
I love the heart behind local plays and festivals!
Ami
Those costumes are gorgeous. Would love to try one out…just for fun. Do they rent them out for a photo opp?
Michelle Myers
I absolutely love mixing travel with meaningful history & tradition! Ramona Bowl looks like a place that is rich in both!
Suzanne Spiegoski
This sounds like such a fun tradition! Good for you! The costumes are utterly delightful!
Jennifer
We lived in So Cal for years but have never heard of Ramona Bowl. We need to plan a visit to check it out! Sounds so fun!
Danni Lawson
What a beautiful tradition, it’s great to see the generations continuing something so precious.
CourtneyLnne
Omg how fun!!!! When I lived in FL we had a ton of traditional type of events. Now that I’m in NY… ughhh not so much. This area sucks for such things