How to Make a Pinata
Piñatas are common features in almost every Mexican celebration. They traditionally take the shape of a 7-pointed star, a human, or an animal. They are usually filled with various fruits, candies, and small toys. Recently, however, vehicles, cartoon characters, flowers, and plant designs have all gained popularity.
Piñatas are constructed out of easily breakable materials, like straw, papier maché, or clay. At fiestas, they are hung while children are blindfolded and take turns hitting the piñata. Hitting the piñata releases the candies and toys it contains. Here is a step-by-guide on how to make this traditional Mexican party favor.
Required Materials
- flour
- water
- salt
- vegetable oil
- 1 round balloon
- newspaper, torn into 1-inch X 6-inch strips
- paper towels, torn into strips
- paint or markers
- colored crepe paper
- tissue paper
- string
Steps to Make a Pinata
- Spread old newspaper onto your work area to make it easier to clean it afterwards.
- Tear the newspaper into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Do not cut with scissors as the torn edges sticks more closely and helps in giving the piñata a smoother look.
- Mix one part flour and two parts water until its consistency resembles thick glue. Make sure that the mixture is free from lumps. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt to prevent the growth of molds.
- Blow up the balloon and tie its end. Set in a shallow bowl to keep it from rolling while you work on it.
- Smear or spray on a light coating of vegetable oil onto the balloon. This will prevent the newspaper from sticking to the balloon when you pop it.
- Dip a strip of newspaper into the flour mixture. Make sure to liberally coat the strip. Apply the strip vertically and overlapping. Continue applying the newspaper strip until the entire balloon is covered. Leave a small hole at the top to take out the balloon and fill the piñata. Allow this first layer to dry.
- Add a second layer of newspaper strips onto the balloon. Angle the strips horizontally and overlapping when applying the strips. Let the second layer dry. Add a third layer of torn paper towels.
- Pop the balloon once the layers of newspaper and paper towel strips have dried. Take out the balloon from the hole at the top.
- Decorate the piñata by cutting 3-inch paper tissue squares. Put a dab of glue at the center and stick it to the piñata. Make sure that the edges of the squares are not glued down to the piñata to give a layered effect.
- Cut pieces of crepe paper and curl them with a pencil. Glue these pieces onto the piñata. Cut longer strips of crepe paper and attach them at the bottom of the piñata.
- Make 2 to 3 tiny holes near the top opening. Insert a yarn or string through these holes and tie and longer string to it for hanging.
- Fill the piñata with candies, toys, and other goodies.
