A part of many traditional Mexican celebrations is a piñata.

A piñata is a small papier mache sculpture, often in the shape of a donkey or some other animal, though only your creativity and craft skills limit you.

Often, the piñata is filled with candy or other treats for children. The piñata is hung up, and kids beat it with a stick to get to the good stuff inside (often while wearing a blindfold to increase the chances of mayhem and joy).

Many stores carry piñatas, but you can also make your own.

You need:

Large balloon
Newspaper, torn into strips 1 inch wide and 6 inches long
Glue or paste
Tape
Cardboard
String or twine

1. Blow up the balloon.

2. Dip strips of newspaper in glue, and cover balloon entirely. Give this first layer several hours to dry. Add two more layers of newspaper strips. Once those layers dry, wrap the piñata in string or yarn. This will add sturdiness. Cover the yarn in two more layers of newspaper, and allow to dry completely.

3. To shape your piñata, you can use cardboard tubes or heavy construction paper as legs, wings, heads or other body parts. These parts must also be covered in several layers of glue and newspaper.

4. When the entire shape is dry, use scissors to pop the balloon (if it has not already popped) and remove the scraps. Cut a "hatch" in the top of the piñata and make two small holes in the top. Tie a knot in the end of two pieces of string. Thread these through the holes from the inside so you will be able to hang the piñata.

5. Decorate your piñata. Paint it. Color it. Put crepe paper on it. Use your imagination. But keep in mind that they're often decorated for a party -- bright colors and streamers are the order of the day.

6. Fill with candy and treats, tape the hatch closed and go look for a good whacking stick.