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History of Pinatas
Pinatas have been used all around the world for hundreds
of years to celebrate special occasions, mainly kid
birthday parties.
Although breaking a pinata at children's
birthdays is very much a tradition among Hispanics,
this fun kid party game has spread throughout the entire
United States.
The tradition of breaking a pinata originated in Europe
in ancient times. It was first made from a simple painted clay pot decorated
with colorful paper and filled with candy and coins.
Today, pinatas are made of paper mache.
The traditional Mexican star-shaped pinata was part
of early Christmas Mexican celebrations representing
the Star of Bethlehem that guided worshippers to baby
Jesus.
Today the pinata game has come to replace “Pin
the Tail on the Donkey” as a favorite party
game for children. Nowadays a pinata is often even used as a party decoration:
it makes a great centerpiece! Pull string pinatas, a
gentler version of this popular party activity, have
been invented to allow toddlers enjoy the game as much
as older kids do.
Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is another intersesting Mexican holiday celebration.
How to Make a Pull
String Pinata
A pull string pinata is a particularly good game
idea for small kids birthday parties or indoor celebrations.
It is a fun yet safe party game for the youngest kids
who can get hurt trying to break open the pinata with
a buster bat. Find below instructions on how to convert
a normal pinata into its gentler pull string version:
1) First of all, the pinata must have a flat bottom.
Cut a 3"x3"x3" flap on the bottom of
pinata as close to center as possible. Perforate a small
hole near the extreme of flap where it opens.
2) Pass a ribbon through flap and tie a knot from the
side that will remain inside the pinata.
3) Close flap. Do not secure flap with any tape or
adhesive.
4) Using scotch or masking tape attach ribbons around
base of pinata. Pull the ribbon that is hanging out
of trap and bring it to same level as other ribbons.
5) Spread glue over the bottom of the pinata and apply
the tissue paper making sure that all ribbons are completely
covered. Let dry. Your pull string pinata is ready for party fun!
How to Play the Pinata Party
Game
Whether you are hosting an adult or a child birthday
party, the pinata party game is bound to be the highlight
of the celebration. The pinata is a great kid party
game for all occasions!
Step by Step Instructions
1. First, make sure you have everything needed to play
this kid party game, such as a rope, a place from where
to hang the pinata (a tree branch, a basketball hoop,
two adults holding ends of a rope with a pinata hanging
in middle, etc.), pinata candy and toy stuffers, a pinata
buster stick and blindfolds for the participants.
2. Fill the pinata with the party favors before guests
arrive at the party.
3. Organize the kids in a line, starting with the smallest
one all the way to the tallest one. Only blindfold children
that are over 3 years old, then spin them around a few
times, provide them with the pinata buster stick and
let loose to hit the pinata.
4. For safety's sake, while a child is hitting the
pinata during the game, all other children must be kept
away (a minimum 15' radius is recommended) from the
hitter. Furthermore, the child should have completely
ceased to hit the pinata before you allow the other
kids to go grab the party favors spilled on the floor.
5. Allow each child to hit the pinata at least a couple
of times before you move on to the next child.
To make the pinata party game even more fun, the pinata
must be swung up and down, and guests must be encouraged
to misdirect the pinata hitter (if the pinata is down,
tell the hitter the pinata is up, etc).
With very young children, make the game safer by using a pull string pinata - find the instructions above. |
