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 Vallarta Living | May 2007 
Throw a Bash: Piñatas Hanging Out at More Parties, Celebrations
 Geneva White - Northwest Herald
| | A longtime tradition at Latino children’s birthday parties and Mexican holiday celebrations, piñatas have been embraced by mainstream culture for most any occasion. |
Why would anyone go through the painstaking trouble of creating a colorful, elaborate decoration just to have it whacked to pieces?
If that decoration is to be filled with candy and other goodies, the answer is obvious.
A longtime tradition at Latino children’s birthday parties and Mexican holiday celebrations, piñatas have been embraced by mainstream culture for most any occasion. And they’re taking the shape of more than just horses, donkeys and other animals. Enter popular cartoon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and Curious George. Type the word “piñata” on Amazon.com and you’ll find a number of shapes and themes to choose from, including soccer balls, hearts and rainbows.
“What they are changing is the face of the piñata so people can identify with it,” said Frances Aparicio, professor of Latino and Latin American studies at the University of Illinois Chicago. “It’s a fun thing to have, and kids really enjoy it.”
With the mass availability of piñatas in every shape, size and style, it’s easy to wonder if the tradition is being over-commercialized or exploited. But many Latinos aren’t too upset, especially with the actual origin of the piñata up for speculation. A popular theory is that piñatas never started in Mexico at all and were brought from China to Italy by Marco Polo.
“Everything’s going to get commercialized,” said George Ancona, author of “El Piñatero/ The Piñata Maker.” “The more we’re exposed to other cultures, the more we evolve.”
Dulcelandia, a Mexican candy, piñata and party supply store with locations in Aurora, Chicago and Melrose Park, carries a wide selection of piñatas. These include, of course, SpongeBob, as well as star shapes and superheroes. Eduardo Rodriguez Jr., vice president of operations, said Dulcelandia’s piñatas differ from those at your typical American party stores. Made by hand in Mexico rather than on an assembly line, the piñatas tend to be larger – between a foot and 4 feet tall. The store also offers piñata sticks, rope, handkerchiefs for blindfolds and candy.
“It’s a form of expression,” Rodriguez said of the piñatas. “No two are really the same.”
Although there are plenty of piñatas available for purchase right in your own neighborhood, why not try making one? This easy and fun project can be a great way for parents to spend time with their youngsters.
“It’s just more fun to build them up and get them ready a couple of days before the birthday,” said Elgin resident Juan Silva. He made piñatas for all three of his daughters when they were young. “The kids see them. It’s excitement for them.”
Making a piñata generally involves newspaper, cardboard and a paste mixture consisting of water and flour. The cardboard is cut and formed into a desired shape, then strips of the newspaper are dipped into the paste. The strips are then glued onto the cardboard. Once the paste dries, usually after about two days, the piñata can be painted.
“It’s the perfect recycling experience,” Ancona said. “Depending on the age of the kids, you should cut [the cardboard] a little bit so they don’t have to spend all day hitting it to break it.”
Balloons also can be used to make piñatas. Simply blow up a balloon and cover it with papier-mâché. Use the papier-mâché and pieces of cardboard to add ears, legs or other details.
“The balloon pops, but it keeps the shape because of the papier-mâché,” Ancona said.
Though rarely seen in the United States, traditional Mexican piñatas sometimes also are made using clay pots.
“They make clay pots with three holes on the top,” Ancona said. “Then they can build any shape or animal and cover it with papier-mâché.”
For parents who aren’t comfortable with their children swinging a stick, pull piñatas might be an option. Pull piñatas feature a trap door that allows the candy to spill out. Strings or ribbons that the children “pull” are attached, but only one lucky pull opens the piñata. Ancona said he prefers to use old cigar boxes, which already are equipped with a hinged trap door.
gwhite@nwnewsgroup.com
How to make a piñata
2 cups flour
3 cups water
1 balloon
Newspaper strips
Paint, crayons or markers
Tissue paper (optional)
Colored crepe paper
String
1. Blow up a large balloon and tie the end securely.
2. Mix flour and water together until it makes a smooth paste.
3. Cut newspaper into long 1 inch thick strips and dip into the flour and water mixture, creating papier-mâché strips.
4. Carefully place the strips of newspaper on the balloon in a single layer, patting the paper smooth until the balloon is covered, leaving only a hole at the top large enough for candy. Set aside and allow the balloon to dry completely overnight.
5. Place another layer of newspaper strips dipped in the mixture over the balloon and let that dry. Repeat with yet one more layer, making sure you leave the hole at the top. When completely dry, pop the balloon, and remove any balloon bits that remain.
6. Use wadded paper, lightweight wire shapes or smaller papier-mâché covered balloons to create noses, ears, arms, legs or other details to make your piñata into the shape you want.
7. Paint your piñata or cover it with layers of bright tissue paper in colors to match your party theme.
8. If desired, hang colored crepe paper from the sides and bottom.
9. Punch 2 small holes in the top near the opening and string a large piece of string through the two holes.
10. Fill your piñata (through the hole you left at the top) with candy, toys or any other fun surprises. Mix the treats with strips of newspaper or small wads of tissue paper to keep the treats spread throughout the piñata.
11. Tie your completed piñata in the air with the string.
An idea for a possible shape is an octopus. To make the tentacles, use paper towel rolls.
– Familyfun.com |
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