Where to Find Piñatas in San Antonio

There is a long list of things you need when planning your kid’s birthday party: balloons, cake, yummy food. And if you live in San Antonio, a piñata is probably on your list too.

Incredible detail on this Elsa piñata. Photo courtesy of the Arangua Family.

Piñatas are a must for all sorts of celebrations in Mexico, especially for kids’ birthdays. Because piñatas are such a staple in Mexican celebrations, most people think that’s where they originated, but to many people’s surprise, the piñata tradition actually comes from China, where it was used to celebrate the Chinese New Year centuries ago. At some point, Marco Polo brought it to Italy and named it pignatta (which basically means a big pot made of clay), and started using it during Easter celebrations.

Many years after that, the Spanish conquistadors introduced the piñatas to the Mayans. Who, by the way, did a similar activity as part of a game where they would break clay pots filled with cacao. Spaniards used piñatas as an evangelization tool, adding seven colorful peaks to a pot of clay, each of them representing the seven cardinal sins. A person would have to hit the piñata with their eyes covered (representing faith), and the fruit and sweets that would come out of it would represent joys and blessings. The piñata as we know it today started with the Mexican tradition of Posadas. And since then it has morphed into all sorts of shapes and sizes as part of any celebration.

Stuffing the piñata. Photo courtesy of the Arangua Family.

Putting all history aside, hitting a piñata is super fun! What other time are you allowed to hit something with a stick until you break it? And then candy and toys come out of it? It’s any child’s dream! Sign me up!

In Mexico you can easily find piñata makers that offer a wide variety of beautiful custom made piñatas, some of them are a true work of art. The thing is, I don’t live in Mexico anymore, so when I couldn’t find a piñata for my child’s first birthday, I ended up asking my parents to bring me one from Mexico (thank you mom and dad). A dear friend of mine moved to the Netherlands, and when her daughter turned one, she realized she was never gonna find a piñata there, so she had to make one herself. Luckily, you don’t have to make your own piñata or ask somebody to bring you one from Mexico, because turns out, you can find some great piñatas right here in San Antonio.

La Dulcería

www.ladulceria.us
1512 Basse Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78213
(210) 309-7404
If you grew up in Mexico, this place will bring back childhood memories. Tons of Mexican candy and high quality piñatas with the most popular cartoon characters, superheroes, Paw Patrol, or Frozen? You name it, they have it. And if they don’t, they can have it made for you with a customized order.
Prices vary, $12-$40

Piñata Time
Two locations:
3005 W Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 277-7406

2906 Blanco Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 626-8463
This place is piñata heaven! They have beautiful handmade piñatas with lots of incredible details. A great variety of characters and they also take customized orders. You can also find all of your party needs, including cascarones for Fiesta!
Prices vary, $12-$100+

Rainbow Creations
(210) 784-0281
Located in the north part of the city, they sell exclusively online through their Facebook page. They take custom orders only, creating the most colorful and well-made piñatas. Please allow at least one week in advance to have your piñata ready.
Prices start at $40+

Casa Dulce
www.casadulceusa.com
6900 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 396-7263
They have a wide selection of piñatas and over one thousand candy products to choose from, including yummy chamoy and spicy Mexican candy. New piñatas arrive roughly every two weeks. Online store available.
Price: $25.99 for a 4ft. piñata.

Do you know any other place where you can find piñatas? Let us know in the comments below! We would love to add them to our list.

Alejandra
Born and raised in Mexico just two hours away from San Antonio, Alejandra moved to the Alamo City in 2010 with her husband. A year later they welcomed their first son, and in 2013 she officially became a mom of two boys. She has a degree in Communications from the University of Monterrey, and has worked as a writer and editor for both print and web media. A classically trained pianist, Alejandra currently freelances as a copy writer and translator. Favorite Restaurant: Palenque Grill Favorite Landmark: The Historic Pearl Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Fiesta de las Luminarias