A little reason to celebrate
National Piñata Day
Fun · April 18
A day for the piñata: the colorful, candy-filled container people take turns swinging at until it breaks open and spills its treats.
National Piñata Day falls on Sunday, April 18, 2027. That is 173 days away.
A piñata is a hollow container, often shaped like an animal, a star or a cartoon character, filled with candy and small toys and hung up high. People take turns swinging a stick at it, usually blindfolded, until it cracks and the treats tumble out.
Most piñatas are made from papier-mâché or cardboard, then covered in layers of fringed tissue paper. The classic star shape has cone points sticking out in every direction. Some modern piñatas come with pull strings underneath, so that instead of swinging, guests each tug a ribbon until one opens the trapdoor. It is gentler, and it spares the ceiling fan.
The game has a rhythm to it. Someone holds the rope and raises or lowers the piñata to keep things interesting, the crowd shouts directions that are rarely helpful, and the youngest players often get first swings so the piñata is still whole when the older kids step up. When it finally gives way, everyone dives for the floor at once.
Piñatas are a familiar part of birthday parties and celebrations in Mexico and across the United States. Making one at home takes a balloon, strips of newspaper, flour paste and patience while the layers dry. Filling it is the easy part. Deciding who gets to break it can take longer than the breaking itself.
Ways to celebrate
- Make a small papier-mâché piñata with a balloon, newspaper and flour paste.
- Try a pull-string piñata so even little kids can take a turn.
- Fill a piñata with stickers, small toys or wrapped candy.
- Decorate a cardboard box with fringed tissue paper for a quick piñata.
- Give everyone a bag beforehand so the treats get shared evenly.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, April 18 |
| 2027 | Sunday, April 18 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, April 18 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, April 18 |
| 2030 | Thursday, April 18 |
Also on April 18
- National Animal Crackers Day
- Pet Owners Independence Day
- National Velociraptor Awareness Day
- National Lineman Appreciation Day
- National Newspaper Columnists Day
Categories: Fun days