National Piñata Day – April 18, 2024

History of National Piñata Day

The origins of the piñata may be traced back to the 13th century. The Chinese created piñatas for their New Year festivities to bring good fortune to the growing season. They were usually fashioned like cows or oxen and ornamented with vivid colors and ribbons and were brimming with seeds. The Chinese burned the remnants of the piñata and stored the ashes for good luck after it was shattered.

Marco Polo returned to Europe from his expeditions in Asia with several piñatas. They gained popularity during Lent in the 14th century. Piata Sunday was the first Sunday of Lent. The piñata was introduced to Mexico by Europeans in the 16th century. Mesoamerica, interestingly, had quite a similar custom. They stuffed god-shaped clay pots with beads, beautiful stones, nuts, and fruit. The pots were broken open with sticks. The Mayan practice was similar to the present piñata tradition in that the person struck the piñata while blindfolded. Huitzilopochtli’s birthday was celebrated in Aztec culture. Priests would use multicolored feathers to adorn a clay pot. When the pot was cracked with a stick or club, the valuables within would fall as a gift to the idol’s feet.

In 1586, the piñata was first used for evangelization in Acolman, in the present state of Mexico. Piñatas have also grown in popularity among Mexican-Americans, other Hispanic and Latino groups in the United States, and non-Hispanics. They’re popular at birthday parties, Christmas, and Cinco de Mayo festivities. Amy Watkins was the first to suggest enjoying piñatas as a Christmas tradition. Watkins said on her blog, ‘Cozy Reverie,’ in March 2016 that she couldn’t believe this holiday tradition didn’t already exist. Watkins transformed National Piñata Day from a notion into an actual event with the support of some pals!