The true origins are disputed (Marco Polo was said to have brought them back from China to Italy!)

Many European Countries (Spain, Greece, Portugal) lay claim to these origins (through Religious Customs).

It did die out in Europe but with the Spanish Colonist’s it spread through the Latin America Countries. Eventually via the Hispanic’s to the United States of America.

Now it is a very popular Party Game in both North and South America.

It is now appearing and gaining popularity in this Country!

Originally they were a specially decorated clay-pot (now they are made of cardboard or papier-mâché ) which you hit with a stick to break it and release the contents from inside.

The word Piñata is Spanish although the Italians use pignatta this means “fragile pot” (also piña is a Latin pre-fix). Piñata is pronounced Pin-Yah-tah

Piñatas now are also apart from the Piñata Game used as Birthday Presents, Party Memento’s, Table Centre-pieces and Decorations!

Lots of Parties now are themed around the Piñata chosen for the Party!