Piñata is a Spanish word, and if you want to sound like you are in the know at the school gates or at work, it is pronounced Pin-yah-ta. The word is derived from the Spanish verb apinar, meaning to join, or to bind in a bundle. A piñata is a hand-made papier-mâché and cardboard model decorated with brightly coloured tissue paper, designed to be filled with sweets, small toys and treats. Made to be broken, these models are nevertheless fashioned with enormous care and come in all shapes and sizes, from traditionally shaped stars to contemporary footballs.

The best place to get a piñata is from a party supplies shop. An extensive range of styles can be found online from party e-tailers. The added advantage of this is you'll also usually find all the accessories, small goodies and sweets you'll need to go inside the piñata at the same time.

Alternatively, it's easy to make a piñata. Materials needed are light-weight, 'bustable' materials (balloons, roll paper cores, poster board, etc) to build a frame, old newspaper, white paper, paste¹, string, a paperclip and coloured tissue paper or paints.

The frame can be built in nearly any shape and ideas for designs can be found in party supply shops or online. Loop the string and tie to the paper clip, tape the paper clip to the frame at a good balancing point. Cover the frame (including the paper clip but not the string loop) with no more than four layers of papier-mâché, the top layer all white (so newsprint doesn't show through the decorations). A hole can be left open for inserting goodies, or one can be cut later. Allow to dry for about 24 hours, then decorate with paints or tissue paper.

History and Origins of Piñatas

Sources say that the piñata started life simply as a painted clay pot decorated with colourful paper and filled with sweets and money. Later it evolved into the intricate papier-mâché figures and forms seen today. Busting a piñata at a child's party or a festival is still very much a tradition in Hispanic countries and has only recently reached the UK where is it proving to be a great hit with young and old alike.

In some communities the breaking of the piñata is given a religious significance. The piñata represents the devil, tempting mankind with the promise of untold pleasure (the treats hidden inside). The blindfolded child hitting the piñata to break it open represents the strength of the Christian faith which must destroy the evil spirit.

What we know for sure is that a piñata, whatever the occasion, creates a spectacular highlight and is the ultimate ice-breaker with something for everyone to enjoy!

Using a Piñata

Traditionally, the piñata game is played as the highlight of a party – at both children's and adult's parties. It is often used to replace more traditional games such as Pin the Tail on the Donkey or Pass the Parcel as the main event of the party.

The piñata can be filled with nearly anything, though small, fairly light, non-breakable items such as sweets and small toys are best. The piñata should be sufficiently filled that everyone taking part in the game gets at least a couple of goodies.

The piñata should be filled with the goodies before guests arrive at the party so that the treats inside will be a surprise for everyone. To fill the piñata locate the door hidden somewhere under the tissue paper decoration. The door is usually marked with a sticker that reads 'To Open Press Here', and that area will give with gentle pressure. Elusive doors may require the use of scissors or a sharp knife to create an opening by cutting a 'U' shape and pulling the flap up².

During the party (before the game) the filled piñata can serve as a decorative table centrepiece, especially for a themed party, later taking it to the designated game-playing area for busting.

To suspend the piñata use a strong length of rope or washing line cord to attach to the reinforced loop on the piñata. Select somewhere to hang your piñata, somewhere outdoors is recommended. A branch of a tree, a basketball or netball hoop or a taut washing line all work well. Two adults each holding the end of a long rope taut with the piñata hanging in the middle might work for younger children. Do not hang a piñata from a light fixture (indoors or outdoors) or from any electrical wiring.

Playing the Game

While there are several variations on playing the game, outlined here is the most basic version. The rules can be tailored to suit the age and temperament of the guests. The main thing is to have fun!

Piñata games should be played under adult supervision at all times! Even when it's adults playing the game.

• Line up all the players starting with the smallest to the tallest. Traditionally, children over three years old are blindfolded but younger children usually won't need to be.

• Spin the 'basher' around a few times, give them the piñata-busting stick³ and set them in the direction of the piñata to hit it.

• Onlookers can shout encouragement to the basher, helping to guide them towards (or away from) the piñata.

• Allow each person to hit the piñata at least a couple of times before you move on to the next basher.

• For safety reasons, make sure that while someone is hitting the piñata everyone else is kept well away, a 15-feet radius is recommended. Also ensure that the basher has completely stopped hitting the piñata before you allow anyone to go and grab the goodies spilled on floor.

• To make the game more fun, the piñata can be swung up and down, and other guests encouraged to misdirect the piñata basher⁴.

• Make sure that everyone gets some sweets and treats at the end of the game to avoid tantrums and tears.

Other Uses for a Piñata

Piñatas are not only popular as fun party games, they serve as colourful room decorations and party table centrepieces. They make great corporate giveaways when tied in with a theme and you can even give them as birthday presents – fill the recipient's favourite shape with small presents. Don't forget, a broken piñata can usually easily be repaired and kept as a memento of the party, or used as a child's room decoration.