The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MEXICAN BIRTHDAY

AT A MEXICAN BIRTHDAY PARTY, ONE CAN ALWAYS FIND A
PINATA. THIS IS AN ANIMAL-SHAPED CONTAINER THAT IS
FILLED WITH CANDY AND COINS. IT IS USUALLY MADE OF
BRIGHTLY COLORED PAPER. THE MAIN FIGURES USED ARE
THE BULL AND HORSE. A PINATA CAN EITHER BE MADE IN
THE HOME OR ONE CAN BUY IT IN A LOCAL STORE. IT IS
HUNG FROM THE CEILING AND EACH CHILD AT THE PARTY
RECEIVES A TURN TO TRY TO BREAK THE PINATA. THE CHILD IS
BLINDFOLDED AND USES A STICK FOR HIS FEAT. ONCE THE
PINATA IS OPENED THE CANDY AND COINS FALL TO THE FLOOR
AND THE CHILDREN GET ON THEIR KNEES, TRYING TO GET
AS MUCH AS THEY CAN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-10-1971