How to Play the Piñata Game
By Olga Rosino
It is very easy to play the piñata game. Basically, the
piñata is suspended from a rope, and the designated hitter
strikes at the moving target while blindfolded.
Since a clay pot is no longer used inside the papier-maché
figure, there is little danger of the participants being hit by
the clay shards. However, there are still rules to enforce,
which will ensure a safe, exciting game of piñata-breaking.
First, two adults thread a rope through the wire loop at the
top of the piñata. Then one adult sits on the roof of the hose
holding one end of the rope. The other person holds the rest of
the rope coiled in readiness to raise and lower the piñata in
response to the hitter's swings. This team can then tease the
hitter by swinging, raising and lowering the piñata confounding
the blindfolded hitter.
An easier alternative is to attach one end to a sturdy tree
limb, or if the branch is high enough, to throw the rope over
the limb to aid in raising and lowering the piñata. This makes
it simpler if there are only a few adults available to help.
An adult begins the action by blindfolding the child who will
be batting. The child, stick in hand, is turned around at least
three times, but sometimes the same number as their age. The
hitter is given three chances to break the piñata. One important
safety aspect is to establish an area around the batter and
piñata where no one will be hurt by the swinging stick or bat.
Each batter does some damage to the piñata, but one child
finally hits it open. Once the piñata breaks open, the adults in
charge will give a prearranged signal so that the partygoers can
scramble for the treats. If you follow these simple rules,
everyone can enjoy a piñata surprise.
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