Per-Olov Kindgren Los Tormentos De La Pinata

A “Piñata” is a container often made of papier-maché, pottery, or cloth often in the shape of an animal such as a donkey or a cat. It is decorated and filled with small toys or candy, or both, and then hitting with a bat to break it as part of a ceremony or celebration.
The idea of breaking a container filled with treats started in Europe in the 14th century. The Spanish brought the European tradition to Mexico. According to local records, the Mexican piñata tradition began in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City, where piñatas were introduced for catechism purposes.
Today, the piñata is still part of Mexican culture, the cultures of other countries in Latin America, as well as the United States, but it has mostly lost its religious character.
A similar tradition in Denmark is “slå katten af tønden” (“hit the cat out of the barrel”) in which a wooden barrel is struck to release candy for the children.
As a child I often felt sorry for the cat, (even though there was none inside), and I refused to hit the barrel/Piñata, much to my friend's joy and my own frustrations since I wouldn't get the treats inside…
It is thought to be a part of my “Estampas” (Images) suite picturing everyday life in Spain.
Sheet music and TABs are available here:
Guitar: Thomas Holt, Spain.
Support: Kris Barnett