Want to relive the Choose Your Own Time-venture experience from the comfort of your own home? Or were you unable to join us on that most fateful of days?
Dust off those letter jackets, iron out your formal wear, and get ready to root for the home team... because it's almost time for the 2011 Banditos Homecoming Dance! Which is really just our way of presenting...
The 4th Annual Banditos Misteriosos Do-It-Yourself Gift Swap!
Folks, it's been a while since we've seen your smiling faces, and as fall rolls into winter, we figured a homecoming-themed gift swap was just what the doctor ordered. We'll provide the ambiance, the bad 90's music, and the smarmy photographer; you provide the embarrassing memories of years past, the awkward small-talk with people who haven't seen each other in ages... and, of course, the gifts!
The concept is simple: Bring something special, home-made, unique, and wrapped, which you'll end up giving to a complete stranger. You'll have no idea who's going to get it; our interactive, silly, secret, wacky wonky Banditos formula will determine that. And in return, you'll go home with your own special, home-made, unique, and wrapped gift from another complete stranger -- all with a cozy aura of sentimental nostalgia.
In past years, we've seen some really awesome home-made gifts, and we've decided to up the ante this year by making DIY gifts a requirement, as opposed to the "let me find some piece of junk I don't want anymore"-method. You don't have to be a masterful artisan to participate. We just ask that you put some thought, care, and TLC into what you bring.
GOOD EXAMPLES OF GIFTS:
- Handmade crafts: knitting, collage, pottery, art, etc... show off your mad skillz! - Personalized mix CD: share your favorite music and make a cool cover! - Homemade clothing accessories: scarves, mittens, what-have-you! - A unique decoration or ornament for the giftee's home or office! - And many more!
NOT-SO-GOOD EXAMPLES OF GIFTS:
- Week-old English muffins from the back of your cupboard - An old, soiled something you don't want anymore - A bag of CVS-brand candy that you picked up on the way to the event - Food (yes, even homemade... you don't know what dietary restrictions your giftee will have)
It's pretty simple: don't give something you wouldn't want to get. Be creative! Be resourceful! Make it fun!
We hope to see you there! The magic happens at JFK Park, in Cambridge.
If you’d like to dress up for a homecoming dance, fantastic! Otherwise, just bring your *wrapped* gift!
Time may keep on slipping, but a Banditos Misteriosos Choose Your Own Time-venture is forever. And by forever, we mean September 17 from 1pm to 5pm. That's right, last year's favorite summer event is now being presented to you in September, for your complete autumnal enjoyment.
Our 'Choose Your Own Time-Venture' is essentially what would happen if a Scavenger Hunt and a Choose Your Own Adventure story had a child and forced it to watch the 'Back to the Future' trilogy, 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure', and 'Time Bandits' on an infinite loop. Teams will start in one location and be given various tasks and choices to make as per the ridiculously entertaining story we've devised.
"The Story?" You ask? Well, you see... the American Bureau of Chronological Defense, the government's super elite time travel department, is holding open recruitment. And they've invited you to find out if you have what it takes to right temporal wrongs and safeguard chronological correctness!
Specifics: -- This event is 100% free! We just ask that you register beforehand, so that we have some idea of the number of participants. Fill out our handy dandy form and you'll be on your way! -- This event isn't about competition, and it's certainly not about "winning". It's about creating a story with your teammates. As such there is no definite start time; teams will start their story on a rolling basis, from 1 to 3 pm. (You will be assigned a half-hour block in which to arrive; if you need a specific block, please email time@misteriosos.org.) -- You don't need to bring anything except for enthusiasm (and maybe bottled water and a camera). -- Location announcement, as always, will be sent the night before at 11:59pm.
Sign up and help us preserve the past, save the present, and ensure the future!
Water Gun 2011: The Battle for Boston
Date: June 18th 2:00PM Location: Register to find out!
Start your summer right, with the Banditos Misteriosos 4th Annual Water Gun Fight! Reenact the secret origin of Boston’s history, the epic battle between the Back Bay Swamp Creatures and the Revere Horse Men. As everyone knows, the aftermath of this battle resulted in the signing of the Boston Constitution.
Staying true to Boston's historical roots, this water gun fight will focus on these two legendary forces, locking horns on the field of battle.
For all the highlighted images from last year's battle, the Clash of Ages, click below:
Army Assignment: Participants will be asked to register for the Swamp Creatures or Horse Men by June 17 at 6 PM. Simply go to the registration page, enter your email (and a friend's to be on the same team), and click “Register!”
The night before the event, emails will be sent out with your mustering location.
Uniforms: All participants will be asked to wear a shirt with their army's color. Of course, we always welcome additional accessories, but your team color shirts allow your fellow soldiers to identify you.
Swamp Creatures Army: Uniform: Green (optional accoutrements include wreathes, scuba gear, leaves, etc.)
Horse Men Army Uniform: Brown (optional accoutrements include manes, stirrups, horseshoes, etc.)
Supplies: - 1 water gun of your choice - Filled two-liter bottles (for refilling your water gun) - 1 backpack to hold water bottles - Your fighting vigor and a love of Boston’s history
Rules: Please be aware of electronics during this event; if you see someone with a camera or camcorder, please don't fire at them. Please don’t bring balloons or anything other than regular water for the guns. Also, remember we are using public property; let's be nice to it.
Everything will make sense when you receive your location email on the 17th.
April 2nd, 2011. 3:00PM Location: TBA on April 1st
Banditos Misteriosos is proud to announce that the tradition continues - Boston will again be participating in World Pillow Fight Day 2011!
Budapest, Cape Town, Tel Aviv, Caracas, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Zurich, Paris, Stockholm, Beijing, Valencia, Vancouver, Rome, Warsaw, Washington DC, Istanbul
Date: December 18th 2:00PM Location: Greenway at Milk Street
Choose Your Own Holiday Gift Swap Location Announcement
Location: The Greenway at Milk Street More Specifics: Directly across from the Aquarium and the Harbor Garage. How to Get There: Blue line to Aquarium or Blue/Orange line to State. More Specific Google Map:Here!
Hope you are excited. This holiday only comes once a year, or ever. Depending on the holiday you are choosing...
See you at 1:55PM! We'll be the really obvious looking ones...
Choose Your Own Holiday Gift Swap
Date: December 18th 2:00PM Location: TBA on Friday, December 17th @ 11:59PM
Hola Banditos, 52. Fifty-two.
Does this number mean anything to you? Well, according to the Department of Labor (and Wikipedia), there are 52 national holidays every year. That's a holiday for every single week, and well, we want to celebrate that all those holidays exist!
Thus, in honor of holidays, and most importantly, presents, it is with pride that Banditos Misteriosos announces our Choose Your Own Holiday Gift Swap. This event is akin to our gift swaps of the past, but, now we are opening the floodgates.
There are so many holidays and celebrations out there, so it is up to you to choose your favorite. Or, even make up your own. Anything goes. Groundhog Day. Christmas Part Deux. Parking-maid Appreciation Day...the possibilities are practically endless.
We're sure you can even find or create a holiday that the exciting workers at the Department of Labor overlooked.
Gifts: The gift should not be bought in any fashion. We are quite pro-DIY, so have fun, be creative. Or, you are welcome to share something you found which was really neat and free.
Above and Beyond: If you wish, your gift may have a relation to your holiday. Additionally, you are invited to dress the part if you feel inclined. This is not mandatory at all, but, if for some reason you have a groundhog outfit…
Wrapping Details: The greatest part of getting a gift is unwrapping it, thus, we are asking that every gift be wrapped! But, in the spirit of being environmentally responsible, we ask that all gifts be wrapped in old paper products. Anything from old wrapping paper to outdated Seventeen magazines are fair game. Of course, some gifts might be difficult to wrap, but that's the challenge!
Bows are of course great.
When: December 18th, 2:00PM
Where: Location will be announced at misteriosos.org on December 17th, 11:59PM
Participants will be asked to arrive no later than 1:50pm. Once at the announced area, you will see Banditos. It will be obvious who they are. Merely walk up to them and receive instructions. At 2:00 trading will commence.
As always, spread the word. Imagine how sad the United States Constitution would be if no one showed up for its own holiday…
Bostonians beware! A collapse in the timestream is causing a temporal anomaly to converge upon our city! Warriors from throughout time and space are colliding. With water guns.
The finest generals from past and future are recruiting soldiers; register below for your assignment.
Banditos Misteriosos' crack team of physicists and timecops has narrowed down the date of confluence to Saturday, August 21 at 1:30 pm.
Meet up location for the PAST and meet up location for the FUTURE.
Uniforms: For the past: blacks and grays. We also encourage you to dress as specific warriors from your half of the timeline. For example, musketeers or cavemen. For the future: primary colors. We also encourage you to dress as specific warriors from your half of the timeline. For example, cyborgs or alien overlords.
Location: Meet up location for the PAST --...> http://bit.ly/9qH9dh and meet up location for the FUTURE --> http://bit.ly/9zOgCO.
Supplies: - 1 water gun of your choice. - At least 3 FILLED two-liter bottles (bring more if you desire!) - 1 backpack to hold water bottles. - As always, your fighting vigor and a bandana.
Rules: Please be aware of electronics during this event. If you see someone with a camera or camcorder, please shy away from getting them wet. Also, we like public property. Lets be nice to it.
CYOA 2010 Location Annoucement
Hola Banditos,
Without further ado, here are the final details for Choose Your Own Adventure!
Start Time: There is no official start time for this event as we will be sending out groups over the course of an hour. None-the-less, please arrive anytime between 1:00 and 2:00PM. (Showing up at 1:30PM or 1:59PM is completely fine.)
Team Setup: Teams will be formed on-site, but if you already have a group, merely show up with everyone and we'll take it from there!
Extra Equipment: We highly recommend bringing extra water (it's hot hot hot) and, if you have one, a digital camera.
Shirts: This has nothing to do with the event, but, we just released our limited edition cloudy shirt! Just $15 and all proceeds go to keeping events such as these free. Also, you get to be both inconspicuous and hip at the same time. A must have for anyone's wardrobe.
That's really all! Get excited to shake some dust as over 400 participants have already registered. We'll see you sometime between 1 and 2pm, tomorrow/July 17th at Christopher Columbus Park.
As always, spread the word and check out the website for all the details.
Date: July 17th 1:00 - 2:00 PM Location: TBA July 16th @ 11:59 pm
Hola Banditos! It's that time of year again, when the sun is shining, the college students leave, and Banditos Misteriosos have their annual Scavenger Hunt! But something's a little different this year. We decided that, instead of doing our usual straight-forward Boston-based scavenger hunt, we'd be introducing a new kind of twist that we're pretty excited about. And we hope you are too.
Do you remember reading Choose Your Own Adventure novels when you were but a baby Bandito? You know, where you were given a choice of action at the end of each page of narrative and the decision you made informed the story that unfolded? Well, have we got a treat for you. We've created a story that unfolds in real time at locations across the city, and the decisions that you and your team make influence the story that you'll experience. A priceless Bostonian artifact has been stolen and it's up to you to gather the clues, interview the suspects, fulfill the challenges, and find it so that you may return it to its rightful owner.
Specifics: - We ask that all participants register beforehand, so that we have some idea of numbers and teams. Fill out our handy dandy registration form and you'll be on your way! As before, teams of 8 to 10 people will be made on-site, so you don't have to worry about coming with a team. >>Registration form - This event isn't about competition, it's about creating a story with your teammates and solving the puzzle. As such there is no definite start time - teams will start their story on a rolling basis, from 1 to 2 pm. Feel free to show up anytime within this hour, and take your time with the mystery! - You don't need to bring anything except for enthusiasm (and maybe bottled water, it'll be hot out).
Date: April 3rd 3:00PM Location: Cambridge Common, Harvard Square
On April 3rd, 2010, Boston was one of over 130 other cities internationally to participate in World Pillow Fight Day. It’s our favorite holiday – there are no fireworks, you don’t get to eat a turkey dinner, but when else can you join your fellow Bostonians in a wanton free-for-all pillow fight?
Over 1,500 people joined us in Harvard Square for the fight. Cambridge Common mysteriously swelled from a few people enjoying a beautiful Saturday to swarming and expectant. Many people fulfilled our request to keep their pillows inconspicuous for as long as possible, creating a game we like to call “Pillow or Pregnant?”
Young and old, costumed and incognito, tall, short, skinny, families and collegians, everyone waited with bated breath for 3 pm. And then, at the signal – chaos.
After that, it was all quite simple. Hit or be hit. Protect your comrade. Above all, battle with honor.
For over an hour you fought valiantly, and well. We were proud of our chosen city of Boston. Alas, all good things must come to an end. But we hope you remember the fun we had together and join us next year for Pillow Fight 2011!
Thanks so much for coming out to International Pillow Fight Day 2010! All agreed it was a huge success. We saw giant bananas and pink gorillas, sang along to Bohemian Rhapsody, enjoyed the glorious weather, and made sure to leave Harvard cleaner than we found it :) Easily 1,500 people showed up to duke it out, a Boston record and hopefully a national one as well!
An official recap is on the way on what we are proud to present as our NEW and IMPROVED website!
This site has some super cool new features, including a place you can tell us about any pictures or videos you've uploaded onto facebook, flickr, youtube, or any other website. And since we REALLY want to see all the cool pictures and videos you guys took today, take a second and give us the url using our "link your media" application, and we'll post all of it in a centralized location for everyone to share!
Thanks so much to all of you for making this year such a blast. We'll see all of you at our next event.
Mysteriously yours, The Banditos. <3
Location Announcement
Attention, Banditos! The forecast for tomorrow is a sunny 70°F and we have over 3,700 RSVP's - this is shaping up to be one of the BEST pillow fights EVER!
Come enjoy the beautiful weather as we bombard each other with pillows in Cambridge Common in Harvard Square, Cambridge. Just take the red line or one of many buses to Harvard Square and walk up Mass Ave. Location link -> http://bit.ly/pillowfight
Remember!
- No feather pillows please - Try to avoid hitting cameras, glasses, and people without pillows - Costumes, get-ups, and any sort of silliness are highly encouraged - Remain as inconspicuous as possible until you hear the signal at 3 pm, then rush in and do battle with your brethren!
For the optimal effect, try loosely centering around the statue designated by the dots below.
We also ask that everyone bring a garbage bag to aid with clean-up after the event. Cloudy loves keeping his community clean!
See you there at 2:55! Viva Banditos!
Pillow Fight Day 2010
Date: April 3rd 2:55PM Location: TBA
Banditos Misteriosos is proud to announce that once again, Boston will be participating in World Pillow Fight Day!
Last year, over 70 cities worldwide participated in the First Annual Pillow Fight Day, with over 1200 Banditos of all ages battling it out in Boston.
Boston was the 3rd largest Pillow Fight in the world, right behind NYC and San Fran. And its happening again this year. This time, let's try to place in 1st!
Budapest, Cape Town, Caracas, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Paris, Stockholm, Valencia, Vancouver, Washington DC.
This is just a short list of the over 70+ cities taking part in this event.Date: Saturday, April 3rd. 2010.
Time: 3:00PM, at the sound of the airhorn (Show up at least 5 minutes early) Place: TBA on Banditos Website (misteriosos.org) on April 2nd at 11:55PM
For those who don't know about these pillow fights, they are quite fun and simple!
Show up at 2:55pm, remain inconspicuous to the best of your abilities. Hide your pillow in bags, big jackets, random trees.
At 3pm, you'll hear the very obvious signal, rush in and pillow fight away.
The rules for this pillow fight are pretty straight forward:
1. Bring a pillow, a soft one is preferred. 2. Don't hit anyone without a pillow 3. If you are wearing glasses, make sure you take them off. 4. Don't hit people with cameras 5. No feathered pillows - let's keep the mess low. 6. Go all out!
Costumes are of course encouraged. This event is child-appropriate!
Invite your friends, family and co-workers. Spread the word! Last year was a great turnout, let's put Boston on the World Pillow Fight Map!
*There will be a signal when everyone should rush in at exactly 3pm! **Try to come 5 minutes early and remain inconspicuous, this event depends on everyone going in at once!
Build a Snowmandito
Date: To Be Announced Location: Boston Commons
Aloha Banditos!
You'll notice we used the word "aloha," because now that it's wintertime in our fair city, we're attempting mind over matter. If we talk and dress like we're in warmer climate, we won't be so cold... right?
Ok...so a quick step outside makes it clear that New England weather cannot be conquered by mere nice, warm thoughts. And thus it is with pride that Banditos Misteriosos announces our Build-a-Snowmandito!
The event is pretty straight forward, our goal is to make a garden of snowmen in the middle of the city.
But we're going to try something different with this event.
Since building a snowman depends on well, snow, the exact date of Snowmandito will all depend on the weather. Thus, instead of picking a date and announcing the location the night before, we're going to tell you the location and announce the date the night before.
Hopefully weather will co-operate and everything will fall in line!
Event Details
Date: The event will be on a Saturday or Sunday after a particularly good snowfall. We'll send an email on the Friday or Saturday before. Be prepared!
Location: Boston Common (exact section TBD)
Snowman decor: Bring whatever you want to decorate your snowman - corncob pipe, top hat, carrot... you name it!
What to do when you get there: Start building your snowman! Work in groups or go solo. Spread the word, the more snowmen the better.
Contest: Snowmen are a work of art, thus there will be a Best-in-Showmandito contest. Exact details will be announced at the event.
Gifts Traded! Share your media!
We hope you enjoyed today's Very Merry Unbirthday Giftswap! Over 100 Banditos showed up for quite the trading of DIY gifts, complete with accordion music, jugglers and costumed announcers.
As always if you have any media, please do share them using our media linking tool!
Additionally, if you would like, please do let us know what you received!
Very Merry UnBirthday Gift Swap
Date: December 6th 2:00PM Location: Copley Square
Birthday parties are nice. But, it's always about the gifts. Thus it with pride that Banditos Misteriosos announces its Very Merry UnBirthday Gift Swap!
For those that went to last season's Freeform Gift Swap (click for link), the initial premise is somewhat similar, but this time we are celebrating a birthday - yours! We will be providing the ambiance, music, and other such goodies; all you need to bring is a simple gift.
The only condition is that this gift is homemade. We are pro-DIY. Participants are asked to not bring anything purchased in a store. Of course, these gifts do not need to be masterpieces of work and time, just take a walk on the creative side. Macaroni of course makes a great constructive medium.
Consider this a Yankee Gift Swap mixed with your 4th grade birthday party... minus the clown and the minivan-carpools.
Trust us, we throw great birthday parties. And you are invited.
All the details under the cut.
Gift Details: The gift should not be bought in any fashion. Glue, tape, scissors, musical mixes are enough to bring any idea to life.
We can't all be artists, but we can all utilize our arts and crafts skills of years past to put together something neat.
Of course, be creative! You don't want to be that friend who showed up with a re-used hallmark card.
Wrapping Details: The greatest part of getting a gift is unwrapping it, thus, we are asking that every gift be wrapped!
But, in the spirit of being environmentally responsible, we ask that all gifts be wrapped in old paper products. Anything from old wrapping paper to outdated YM magazines are fair game. Of course, some gifts might be difficult to wrap, but that's the challenge!
Bows are of course great.
Location: The party location will be announced on Saturday at 11:59PM.
Participants will be asked to arrive no later than 1:50pm.
Once at the announced area, you will see Banditos wearing blue shirts and bandanas. Merely walk up to them and receive instructions. At 2:00 trading will commence.
Besides that, everything is pretty much all set. Good luck in your gift construction!
As always, spread the word! It's not a birthday party, if your friends aren't there to celebrate with you.
Getting older is awesome, soon you'll be able to stay up past 8:00PM.
Share Your Media!
Today's battle was a success! Over 450 soldiers rushed the battlefield to take part in the Second Revolutionary Water Gun Battle. Full of water balloons, umbrellas ans a surprise French army, it was a skirmish that would have our forefathers proud. We hope you had all had fun.
If you have any pictures/videos, please do share them with us through the media uploader in the menu!
Once again, thanks for helping put on an awesome event. Stay tuned for news for our next event!
*Photo Credit - Theresa Conn
Registrations Sent
Army assignments have been sent out over e-mail. Get ready for the battle!
If you have not received word from your general, please do contact us at contact@misteriosos.org
Revolutionary Water Gun Battle 2009
Date: August 22nd 1:30PM Location: The Esplanade
The summer is heating up, thus, it is with pride, after many requests, that Banditos Misteriosos announces our Second Annual Revolutionary Water Gun Fight.
Last year over 375 warriors rushed into battle, complete with marching armies, drums, fifes and bubble blowing robots. And this year, we plan on holding another battle. But this time, even larger.
For all the highlighted images from last year's battle click below:
Consider this event the combination of a good old fashioned water gun fight and the revolutionary battle of our forefathers.
Staying true to Boston's historical roots, this water gun fight shall focus on two armies, marching and meeting each other for a battle in a specific location.
Specifics:
Date: Saturday, August 22nd - 1:30PM
Location: TBA in registration email.
Army Assignment: Participants will be asked to register for event before August 21st, at 6:00PM
If you are signing up multiple people, we ask you do it one at a time. If it is a large group, if you could place their names and email addresses in a spreadsheet and email it to us, we'll take care of it! contact@misteriosos.org
The night before the event, emails will be sent out with army assignment and meet up location.
Supplies: - 1 UNLOADED water gun of your choice. - At least 3 FILLED two-liter bottles (bring more if you desire!) - 2 (and only 2) filled water balloons - 1 back-pack to hold water bottles. - 1 either red or blue shirt (depending on army assignment). - Any other revolutionary paraphernalia you don't mind getting wet (hats, flutes, etc) - As always, your fighting vigor and a bandana!
Rules: Please be aware of electronics during this event. If you see someone with a camera or camcorder, please shy away from getting them wet. Also, we like public property. Lets be nice to it.
Other: If you have any marching drum/flute experience or if you have in your own possession, a revolutionary soldier outfit, please do e-mail us as we would love to talk to you! - Don't worry, instruments and professional outfits will not get wet- contact@misteriosos.org
Besides that, its pretty straight forward.
Everything will make sense when you receive your enlistment email on the 21st.
It's hot out, so lets have a good old fashioned water gun fight! Spread the word, call your Sons and Daughters of Liberty to arms! Let's do Sam Adams and Lord Cornwallis proud!
Scavenger Hunt 2009
Date: July 11th 12:00PM
Over 550 participants (some locals, others from outside the States) made up 60+ teams which ran all over Boston competing in various activities, solving riddles and taking pictures.
Suggestions/Input/Praise/Constructive Criticism!
We value your input! Let us know what you liked about this years Scavenger Hunt. What went well, what you think we should change for next year and so forth! Additionally, the planning board is an open committee, so anyone can join and help organize our future events. Merely contact us and let us know.
As always, we hope you had fun, and stay tuned for the announcement for our next upcoming event! *Photo Credit - Fenna Krienen
Boston = #2! Pillow Fight = Marriage!
The numbers are starting to trickle in and it seems Boston had the second largest pillow fight in the world this past Saturday!
In other news, the word on the street is that someone got proposed to in the middle in of the pillow fight! Pillow Fights = Best place for romance and engagement!
World Pillow Fight Day 2009 = Success!
Easily over 1,100 Banditos swarmed Christopher Columbus Park, pillows swinging and battling it out with pillows and feathers! Children ran around, panda outfits jumped into the mix, feathers were mistakingly eaten... it was an all around great event!
This placed Boston as the the second largest pillow fight in the world, out of over 70 cities. An extra shout out to all those brave volunteers who stayed after to help clean up!
We'll see you at our next event, and most definitely at next years pillow fight.
As always.
<3, Misteriosos.
Pillow Fight Day 2009
Date: April 4th 3:00PM Location: Columbus Park
Banditos Misteriosos is proud to announce that once again, Boston will be participating in World Pillow Fight Day.
Last year, over 16 cities worldwide participated in the First Annual Pillow Fight Day, with over 600 Banditos of all ages battling it out in Boston. And its happening again this year. This time, with more cities.
Budapest, Cape Town, Caracas, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Orlando, Paris, Stockholm, Valencia, Vancouver, Washington DC.
This is just a short list of the over 22 cities taking part in this event. Turnout in some of these cities is expected to peak over 1,500!
Date: Saturday, April 4th. 2009. Time: 3:00PM, at the sound of the airhorn (Show up at least 5 minutes early) Place: TBA on our website on April 4th @ 12:01AM
For those who don't know about these pillow fights, they are quite fun and simple!
Show up at 2:55pm, remain inconspicuous to the best of your abilities. Hide your pillow in bags, big jackets, random trees.
At 3pm, you'll hear an air horn with an additional visual signal, rush in and pillow fight away.
The rules for this pillow fight are pretty straight forward:
1. Bring a pillow, a soft one is preferred 2. Don't hit anyone without a pillow 3. If you are wearing glasses, make sure you take them off. 4. Don't hit people with cameras 5. Go all out!
Costumes are of course encouraged. This event is child-appropriate!
Invite your friends, family and co-workers. Spread the word! Last year was a great turnout, we can break 1,000 participants this year. Let's put Boston on the International Pillow Fight Map!
Lets shake some dust!
Freeform Gift Swap
Date: January 31st 12:00PM Location: Coply Square
On January 31, 2009, over 125 Banditos braved the frigid temperatures and biting winds to participate in a little post-holiday re-gifting in Copley Square!
Gifts were in abundance. Cookies. Large Ears. Mix cds. Legally-acquired cones. Ballet shoes.
Monster Mashup
Date: October 25th 12:00PM Location: Columbus Park
On October 25, 2008, over 100 Banditos Ghosts braved the sunlight and crowds, showing up to do what ghosts do best, dance. This time though, they followed the cues of pumpkins, witches and tombstones while listening to a customized Halloween Monster Mash-Up.
Participants were first given a very mono-tone instructional dance video to watch a week before the event:
Then, on a cloudy and unseasonably warm Saturday, October 25th, ghosts flocked to Christopher Columbus park in Boston to boo-gey.
Revolutionary Water Gun Battle 2008
Date: August 16th 12:00PM Location: The Esplanade
The Revolutionary Water Gun Battle was a true success. Over 375 Banditos swarmed the Esplanade for an all out battle. Speeches were given. Muskets were loaded. And yes, Robots with bubbles stormed the field.
Sometimes pictures speak louder than words…
The Recap.
Our nation was born of an epic clash between the colonists who lived here and the British who ruled over them. In the tens of decades that have passed since independence, the city of Boston has remained peaceful. Until… the British and Colonists met again on the Esplinade on Saturday, August 16th. This time, they did battle with water-guns.
Participants signed up via email ahead of time, and were assigned a side. Depending on the army they belonged to, Colonists wore blue:
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And the British, of course, wore red:
Each side was led by a fearless general:
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The battlefield was set
Then went back and egged on their troops on, directing them to attack.
And attack they did!
The water battling was merciless!
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Just when it was starting to seem like the armies could not go on…
They were visited by three strangers:
The mysterious visitors had come from THE FUTURE! In their time, they were known as “robots.”
These “robots” had come in the name of peace. They brought with them bubbles of peace:
The robots’ message of peace was quickly adopted by both sides of the army…
… but eventually abandoned.
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The water war continued until all resources were exhausted!
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A good time was had by all:
A great time was had by all. A big thanks to all those who showed up, engaged in a fun-filled battle and helped cleaned up afterwards. To all those brave photographers (such as: polarbare, inatizzy, chickenbut789, inatizzy, ittoku [aka eddric lee], fillingthev0id, tomtheman5, etc), thanks for helping document the mayhem.Â
On June 28th, 2008, over 400 Banditos, making up 43 teams, swarmed all over Boston, taking part in the First Annual Boston Scavenger Hunt. The hunt was one part Barter Challenge, one part Persuasion and one part Riddle-Solving.
All participants were asked to meet up at Boston Common, where teams of 8 were randomly assigned, to keep with the Bandito philosophy of getting to know your fellow Bostonian. Groups of friends were allowed to stick together, but they were quickly absorbed into their larger group of other fellow participants.
The hunt had three parts:
Part one - The blob Each team was given the goal of getting the largest number of random strangers to join in their group. The largest group would be awarded at the end.
Part two - Paperclip bartering Each team was handed a paperclip that they could trade for another item, the team with the best resulting item would win this said competition.
Part three - The Hunt The style of the Scavenger Hunt was passport based. With each team being handed a passport that had 14 riddles on it. Teams were tested on their ability to think abstractly, and more importantly, their knowledge of Boston. Once the riddle was solved and they arrived at the given location, all teams were asked to take part in a themed activity. Once this task was complete, they were given a stamp and sent along to find the next clue.
On March 22nd, 2008, Boston was invited alongside 21 other cities to participate in International Pillow Fight Day. Over 600 brave souls, some traveling all the way from California, showed up in Copley Square, in a somewhat stealthily fashion, armed with pillows to do battle. Flags waved. Pillows exploded. Feathers flew.
Silent Dance Experiment
Date: February 3rd 1:00PM Location: Faneuil Hall
On Saturday, February 23rd, over 300 Banditos swarmed outside Faneuil Hall, wearing sunglasses and acting inconspicuous. They were also, unknown to the rest of Boston, carrying a digital music player loaded up with a custom MP3 complete with instructions for activities and dance moves.
Thus, on Saturday, December 15th 2007, at 1pm, over 150 Banditos participated in Boston's first mass pillow fight.
The rules were pretty simple:
1. Bring a pillow! A soft one is preferred! 2. Only hit those who are holding pillows! 3. Arrive early and remain inconspicuous until the time of battle (1pm!), then rush in! 4. Spread the word. Bring your friends Bring your kids!
Boston is a playground. Banditos Misteriosos is the city's mysterious playmate. We are an organization dedicated to bringing Boston alive with a slew of activities that are free, open to everybody and most importantly, just a little bit out of the ordinary. Here's how to get involved:
Awarded "Best of Boston - Best Kept Secret"
Ain't that misteriosos.
Our events are 100% free because of support from our members.
