Pinatas bring jobs to migrants in Mexico during Christmas season
Reuters
December 22, 2023 07:00 MYT
December 22, 2023 07:00 MYT
Pinatas are broken during Mexican posadas, small get-togethers to commemorate Mary and Joseph's search for shelter on Christmas Eve before the birth of Jesus Christ. - Screengrab/REUTERS
CIUDAD NEZAHUALCOYOTL, Mexico: A small pinata workshop located near Mexico City employed Venezuelan migrants during their Christmas season activities, where the production amps up due to high demand of this traditional object.
Venezuelan migrant Yender Sanchez said he was thankful to find job opportunities in the city.
Pinatas are broken during Mexican posadas, small get-togethers to commemorate Mary and Joseph's search for shelter on Christmas Eve before the birth of Jesus Christ.
The smashing of the pinata at these festivities is highly symbolic; the breaking symbolises man's struggle to fight temptation and his wish to eliminate evil.
The origin of the pinata is unclear. Some say that it was found by Marco Polo on his travels to China and brought to Europe. It was then introduced to Mexico during the Spanish Conquest.
Others say that the tradition stems back to Aztec times, where a clay pot was painted with the face Tlaloc, the God of Water.
The pot was filled with water and broken to symbolise a thunder storm and the downpour of rain.