How to Use a Pinata

Growing up in Southern California, a birthday party without a pinata just doesn't seem to be a birthday party. I(t kind of like a birthday without cake and ice cream. It's just unheard of in the world I grew up in. But , it's also the same place that Caucasian was listed as a minority. There's a joy that creeps up and takes over the whole party when the anticipation of candy, the ability for young kids to wield and bat and destroy something, and parents can mess with the little kids. The element of danger and meanness all in good fun is in the air and it makes a giddy happiness that is addictive to the point where you are giggling and laughing before you know you are or the reason why you are. Wielding a bat blindfolded while laughing historical is a time that nobody should miss. A pinata is a traditional Mexican party game. The origination of the pinata has been debated for centuries. But what historians can agree on is that the traditional shape for a pinata is a burrow or what we can a donkey. Why a donkey, who knows. But now, if you got ot he right places, you can get a pinata in the shape of anything. In fact, a few year ago my daughter got a pinata of a pirate ship.

As an adult, when you get the pinata, there should be a secret compartment that you can open. This compartment is there so you can take out the stuff inside and fill the thing up with candy. Be careful, those little things are deceptive in the amount of candy they can hold. I poured 6 bags of candy into a little star, and there was still plenty of room for at least 2 bags. Once you finish filling it up, place the flap down and lock it. There should be a little flap that will close this compartment completely. I would suggest putting more tape on this flap, or one up and down raise, and the kids get all of the candy immediately.

On the back of most pinatas there is a anchor that will allow you to tie a rope to. However, if there isn't one, you either tie a rope around the whole things, or cut out an anchor off the top. I prefer the simple way, so I just wrap it up. Once the rope is attached to the pinata, throw the other over a branch, a limb, or even a wood strut that spans the length of a living room in someone's house. Pull the rope up till the pinata is away from anyone's reach, even with the honored and sacred stick or bat. When the game begins, an adult raises and lowers it as the kids try to hit it.

The children line up and are each given a chance to hit the pinata. Its a good idea to tell all the kids that they will not be able to hit the pinata till they hear a specific word or command. As each child gets to the the pinata, they have to put a blond fold on and are then spun three times. If they start swinging before hearing the word, they are immediately put to the end of the line. If this happens to one child, the rest will get it and they will pay attention. Remember, you are the one thing that is standing in between them and child gold doubloons - Candy. They will do whatever you ask or tell them. This little word will also save your injury. You don't want to become another victim of the America's funniest home videos.

The birthday person gets the first hit, and everyone lines up behind them. There has to be an adult manning the children. Take the child and spin them around 3 times. When the dizzy blindfolded child is ready to swing, the person raising and lowering the pinata now has a job to do. First, you want to let the child feel where the pinata is. Then once he feels it, let the fun begin. You can move it up, down, or bop them in the head. Don't forget to try making it lower then them as well. It's always nice to give them at least a few good hits. But a small bonk on the head is always a crowd pleaser, especially for the birth day kid.

As soon as the candy begins to fall, stop the child from swinging immediately and let the kids grab as much as they can. The candy fall will start a few pieces here and there, then there will be a large drop, and then the rest of the candy will come out a few hits later. Suggestion: Serve cake and ice cream before the pinata. The kids will be so full, most of them will not be able to eat the candy. So you don't have hyper active insanity, instead a lot of candy that is either not eaten or taken home.