Last holiday season I shared with you my family traditions in December, like honoring La Virgen de Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe) on December 12th and the celebration of Las Posadas in Mexico and other Latin American countries.  This year hasn’t been any different in my family. We have honored the Virgin by having the rosary prayers throughout the night of December 11th through the 12th and this last weekend we had the annual Posada celebration. 

 

Fortunately, on Sunday, December 21, 2008 the Museum of Latin American Art will be having a Posada Family Festival.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our Long Beach community to attend and learn first hand about the Posadas.  There will be a series of free workshops, vendors, storytelling, performances and piñata breaking starting at 12 noon.  For more information for any MOLAA event call 562.437.1689 or log onto www.molaa.org

 

In my opinion, the piñata breaking is one of best parts of the Posadas!  It is interesting to learn about the piñata’s history and how it originated; however, despite its religious symbolism and superstitions, it’s a fun activity for children, teens and adults.  To learn more about the piñata, here is a link to an article written by Oscar Guzman. 

 

Try making your own piñata at home with the family!  Here is how:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 balloon
  • Newspaper
  • Paint, crayons, or markers
  • Colored crepe paper
  • String
  1. Blow up a large balloon and tie the end
  2. Mix the flour and water together until it makes a smooth paste
  3. Cut the newspaper into long 1 inch thick strips and dip into the flour/water mixture
  4. Carefully place the strips on the balloon until it is covered, leaving a hole at the top
  5. Set aside and let the balloon dry
  6. Place another layer of newspaper dipped in the mixture over the balloon and let dry
  7. Repeat with one more layer, making sure you leave the hole at the top
  8. When dry, pop and remove the balloon
  9. Paint your piñata with different designs and colors
  10. If desired, hang colored crepe paper from the sides and bottom
  11. Punch 2 small holes in the top near the opening and string a large piece of string through the two holes
  12. Fill your piñata (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
  13. Tie your piñata in the air with the string and have fun!

You can be very creative with this project. You can design your piñata 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 piñata structure. (Instructions borrowed from here).