Families gather together for parties at which Mexican food and pinatas are featured. Children love pinatas for several reasons. First, they are bright and colourful. Second, they are full of candy and small prizes. Third, normal rules of behaviour encouraging sharing and gentleness are suspended and the children are allowed to scramble for as much candy as they can reach.
Pinatas are easy to make, though they require a few days and some planning ahead.
Step One Spread newspapers or plastic sheeting over your work surface. Blow up the balloon or beach ball and tie a knot at the end. Tear newspapers into strips about 1 inch wide and about 6 inches long. Tearing rather than cutting is important, it helps the strips lie flat on top of each other. Pour some of the glue into a disposable bowl or a bowl you don't mind soaking in water for a long while, or mix flour and cold water to make a paste the consistency of thick glue.