How to make a Pinata:
Pinatas are found at almost every Mexican celebration.
Pinatas were traditionally in the shape of a six-pointed
star and were filled with fruit, candy, and small toys.
Today they are designed in all types of shapes, including
animals, plants, and flowers. At fiestas, the pinatas are
hung in the air and children are blindfolded and take turns
swinging at the pinatas. Eventually, the pinata is hit hard
enough and it breaks releasing the candy and toys that it
contained. Try making your own pinata at home. Make sure you
ask an adult for help.
- 2 cups flour
- 3 cups water
- 1 balloon
- Newspaper
- Paint, crayons, or markers
- Colored crepe paper
- String
-
Blow up
a large balloon and tie the end
-
Mix the
flour and water together until it makes a smooth paste
-
Cut the
newspaper into long 1 inch thick strips and dip into the
flour/water mixture
-
Carefully place the strips on the balloon until it is
covered, leaving a hole at the top
-
Set
aside and let the balloon dry
-
Place
another layer of newspaper dipped in the mixture over
the balloon and let dry
-
Repeat
with one more layer, making sure you leave the hole at
the top
-
When
dry, pop and remove the balloon
-
Paint
your pinata with different designs and colors
-
If
desired, hang colored crepe paper from the sides and
bottom
-
Punch 2
small holes in the top near the opening and string a
large piece of string through the two holes
-
Fill
your pinata (through the hole you left at the top) with
candy, toys, or any other fun surprises. You should also
fill with strips of newspaper so the surprises are not
all in one location
-
Tie
your pinata in the air with the string and have fun!
You can be
very creative with this project. You can design your pinata
into any shape (animal, flower, etc,) with your imagination.
Use thick colored paper filled with scrunched up newspaper
and glue or tape to add any details to your basic pinata
structure.
