Local Piñata Festival Promises to Bring Fun for the Whole Family

Updated: August 29, 2024

By Mike Villarreal

Last year, the City of Harlingen hosted a new festival called “Fiesta de Piñatas,” which took place from downtown to La Placita. The idea for this festival came from Fred Uribe, the co-owner of Don Gallitos Restaurant, who shared his concept of a piñata festival with city officials. Initially, he planned to organize a fiesta featuring piñatas at a city park to bring together the community, families, and the Mexican tradition of piñatas for a fun night. For the first fiesta, students from the Harlingen school district, downtown shop owners, and artist Roque Delgado, along with many other community members, crafted a variety of brightly adorned piñatas for this unique festival, showcasing the vibrant and diverse culture of our city.

The Fiesta de Piñatas celebrates not only the Mexican tradition of piñatas but also Mexican Independence, celebrated on September 16th. Fred Uribe has been fascinated by the deep cultural, historical, and religious significance of piñatas. The piñata, according to some accounts, evolved in 14th-century Europe before the Spanish took the tradition to Mexico and Latin America, where it eventually merged with Mayan and Aztec rituals. This rich history and cultural significance make the piñata a symbol of respect and appreciation for Mexican traditions, inviting us to delve deeper into the roots of our culture and heritage.

The piñata is a 400-year-old Mexican tradition deeply rooted in Christian customs, particularly the Catholic tradition, and associated with Lent in Mexico. Its seven points symbolize the seven deadly sins, while the candy inside represents temptation. Originally made from a clay pot, piñatas have evolved into the vibrant and intricate paper-mache creations we see today. This evolution of the piñata represents the continuity and adaptation of Mexican traditions, making it a living part of the culture.

Despite last year’s festival being dampened by rain, this year’s festival promises to be full of fun and excitement. The two-day festival will take place on September 13-14, 2024, at Gutierrez Park and W. Van Buren St. The event will start with a spectacular Lucha Libre Show on Friday. Additionally, the festival will feature a Comida Market where you can enjoy authentic Mexican dishes, and a Mercado Market where you can explore and shop for handmade crafts and goods from local artists. The evening will be filled with traditional Mexican music, and there will also be fun activities and games for kids to enjoy, guaranteeing a weekend of excitement and cultural immersion.
Photos from Downtown Harlingen Facebook Page