Let’s Fiesta: Food Town Has Piñatas, Houston!

Did you know your neighborhood Food Town is also your go-to for piñatas, Houston? It’s true! In addition to quality meats, fresh produce and frozen treats you need for your family fiestas, we’ve got piñatas, too! These festive finds are located inside each of our Houston-area grocery stores, usually high above the aisles to help inspire smiles while you shop.

They say the tradition of the piñata dates way (way) back — by about 700 years — to Asia, where folks used them to ring in the new year. Later, when explorer extraordinaire Marco Polo caught wind of the fun, he took piñatas along with him on his travels, first to Italy and then to Spain. Today, you can find piñatas everywhere (including your Food Town) and in every imaginable size, shape and color!

Of course, just as there are many different types of piñatas, there are many ways to use them.

• Kids Party – Fill it with candy (which your local Food Town sells).  Or get creative with your fillers – Pencils, Erasers, Hair Bands, Clips, Bows, Snack Pouches, small boxes of raisins, or small toys are always huge kid pleasers.
  To play the traditional Pinata Game – Using the instructions that came with your piñata, attach the piñata to a tree branch, beam, climbing frame, or any other suitable hanging place. Place the piñata at a height allowing it to swing freely and where the guests can reach it with the stick. Line everyone up at least 10 feet or so from the piñata. Blindfold the first person and give them the stick. Bring them within about 3 feet of the piñata and ask them to try and hit it to break it. Older kids could also be turned around a couple of times on the spot so that they are a bit disoriented. This makes it harder for them to know where the piñata is. Each child then gets a turn, possibly several, to try hitting the piñata.  NOTE: Don’t let the waiting children in line move forward toward the hitter, as a blindfolded child with a swinging bat can be dangerous. The children can pick up the goodies as soon as the piñata breaks open and the treats shower down. It can turn into quite a scramble, which can be a bit frightening for the younger children, so make sure that you have a bit of control over the scramble and that everyone gets their fair share of treats.

• A Fun Twist on the Gender Reveal: Recently, parents-to-be have taken to inviting loved ones together to learn — and celebrate — the gender of their incoming bundle of joy. Provide a sealed envelope with the exciting information to a trusted friend and ask them to fill the piñata with pink or blue confetti, candy, pacifiers and other knickknacks. Then, get everybody involved in the big reveal!
  
  
• Great for Grownup Gatherings: Looking for something festive for a bash where kiddos aren’t invited? Fun bead necklaces, plastic shot glasses, and miniature (non-breakable) bottles of alcohol make fantastic fillers! Just make sure your partygoers are of legal age, neighbor.
  
  
• A Simple Outlet for Stress Relief: Sometimes, it feels good to take out some stress. Find a piñata you fancy, grab a stick and have at it. (It’s a lot more fun if you fill it with candy and other goodies, but it isn’t 100% necessary.) As a bonus, it’s a great arm workout, too!

There are tons of reasons we love piñatas, Houston. They’re a fun (and easy) activity that brings the whole bunch together at a bash, instantly making any space more festive. Stop by your nearest Food Town, to shop piñatas, filler candy, and sticks, too! (Not to mention everything else on your shopping list.) Fiesta on, amigos — we’ll see you soon!