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Hundreds of years before the Spanish explorers discovered Mexico, it is thought that the Mexican Indians made piñatas as a way to depict their idols and worship their gods. Later the Mexican people incorporated the piñata in their LaPossada festivals where it was used in the traditional manner it is today. At that time Spanish explorers sent Piñata's to Spain and Portugal where they became popular and have spread throughout the world.
To make a Piñata you will need:
1 - 9" - 25" sturdy,empty helium balloon
Optional smaller balloons
12" wide strips of newspaper
Decoupage glue
Sharp scissors
Candy or small toys for filling
Start by inflating the balloon and tying a knot in the end. You can tape several balloons together to create the shape you want your piñata to be but a oval is the easiest shape to work with.
Carefully dip the strips on newspaper into the decoupage and gently lay it across the balloon working vertically until it is covered. Continue covering the balloon in the opposite direction horizontally. You can continue adding newspaper strips until the balloon feels solid and firm. When it is dry, use a pin to pop the balloon. Next paint the balloon whatever color you wish and embellish it as desired.
Find a place where the a hole will not be easily noticed and cut three sides of a square to create a door that can be opened. Fill your piñata.
For an Easter egg piñata follow the same directions but cover your piñata with aluminum foil or colored plastic wrap for a unique spring look. Add a big, colorful ribbon on top. Fill the piñata egg with Easter grass, small stuffed animals, rubber balls or other small toys and chocolate Easter bunnies.
Big 9" Balloons make a fun Dinosaur Egg or for a terrific Childs birthday party favor, make a small dinosaur egg for each child the same way as for a large piñata but using small water balloons instead. Paint it green or brown and fill with dinosaur themed stickers, candy, small plastic dinosaur stencils and other toys.
I suggest that you run a heavy wire or coat hanger through 3 points at the top of the piñata and twist them together as they join the middle. Next securely tie a rope to the wires and hang the piñata on a tree branch.
The game is played by blindfolding children and letting them hit the piñata with a stick or plastic bat. To insure that every child gets a turn we line kids up by age and only allow them 3 hits. You will probably not want to blindfold the children that are under the age of 6 unless they look like a heavy hitter and everyone has not had a turn yet. If you are playing with older children the game can be lengthened by not only blindfolding the kids but turning them around three times to disorient them. Another alternative would be to tie the piñata to a long stick and lower it as needed. As soon as the piñata breaks everyone makes a mad dash for the candy!
Often young children can feel that this method is unfair because all of the children do not get the same amount of candy. To avoid crying children and hurt feelings, put aside a small bag of candy for each child with their name on it. This will not only keep the party happy but will give kids a place to empty their pockets and take home their loot!
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