Pinatas to pop at library on Sept. 30

Madison Public Library has scheduled a class that will be bursting at the seams.

While pinatas are most often associated with Mexico, the suspended containers may have originated in China. Mayans used a similar object for sport, which Spanish missionaries altered for religious ceremonies.

Susana Vizcarra will instruct the class and recently led a session to make worry dolls. “The participants enjoy learning about a different culture,” adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said. “For our worry doll class, we had a full class and a long waiting list, so that shows the community’s interest with these types of classes.”

Individuals do not need any “crafty” skills or assembly experience to take the pinata class. The class will cover details about its history and use materials in various colors to create an authentic pinata.

Materials will include balloons, newspapers, glue, colorful tissue paper and thread, which participants will use to hang the pinatas, Hooper said.

Participants can use their finished craft as a decorating accessory or as an actual pinata at a holiday or birthday party. “I think this class will be helpful for those who would like to make piñatas in the future,” Hooper said.

“The pinata class has a $5 supply fee, which will cover all of the materials needed for the pinata,” Hooper said. “The only thing participants are asked to bring is their favorite candy to actually put inside of the pinatas.”

Class space is limited, and registration is required. To sign up, visit hmcpl.org. For more information about the session, send email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.

Madison Public Library’s address is 130 Plaza Blvd. Sarah Sledge is branch manager. For library information, call 256-461-0046 or send email to madison@hmcpl.org.