- The piiiata is a jar or pot ornamented with fancy paper. A true-to-tradition piiiata (p5-nya-ta)U/ Y is made from a clay jar, decorated with paint, cloth and colored paper. It is filled with small toys and candy before being suspended with a rope. The pifiata is then raised and lowered, as blindfolded children swing at it with a stick, or palo (p'i'-l~)in hopes of being the first to break the jar and reveal the contents. Once the piiiata is broken, children run eagerly to-retrievethe hidden booty. Piiiatas are a part of every festivity, and their gay decorations often reveal intricate artistry. You can make a beautiful piiiata with very accessible materials. There are several ways to make piiiatas, and time and materials will dictate which to choose. In each case, the piiiata should be filled with surprises for all to enjoy once it is broken. 1. Papier-mache piiiatas are made with few materials. You will need crepe paper (amount and color determined by design choice) 1 balloon (12") newspaper (cut into strips) 2 cups of flour 2 cups of water 15" length of heavy-duty string or twine Combine the flour and water into a smooth paste. Dip the strips of newspaper into the paste and wrap them around the blown-up .balloon. After completing one layer of the mache wrap, tie the string around the balloon and knot it at the top. O 1986 J. Weston Walch, Publisher Let's Have Fun with Spgnish Culture Now cover the balloon with a second layer which will secure the string from which the piilata will be hung. Let the project dry for two to three days. Now cover it with squares of crepe paper wrapped around a finger and glued in place to give a colorful "fluffy" effect. The way that you cover the shape will be determined by your design choice. Popular versions include clown faces, ice cream cenes (with a construction paper cone), mice (an elongated balloon serves as the entire body), snowmen (three mach6 balloons assembled), and tree ornaments (done in bright colors). ' 2. An easy-to-make pifiata is made with a paper bag, decorated with the same materials as the papier mbh6 version. This is not so attractive as some of the versions, but it avoids the cleanup involved with papier mQch6 work. 3. Pots used for planting flowers make good replicas of the jar pifiatas of Mexico. The type that are made with clay are easy to find, and can easily be painted and decorated as gay piflatas. O 1986 J. Weston Walch, Publisher Let's Have Fun with Spanish Cultur .