Tres Agaves Products

"Papel picado" literally means "paper cutting" in Spanish.  They are artful decorations that anyone in the family can create.

The art originated in Pre-Columbian Mexico and flourished with newer and more workable papers became available.  When in Mexico you'll find papel picado banners strung together, lining streets, hung over terraces and entryways.

To start, select your favorite colored paper, stack several layers.  Fold the paper in half.  Then draw a design on the folded halves taking care not create cuts that will sever the fold.  Fold in the top edge.  Align string on the inside fold and glue.  String several together to create a banner.

For step by step instructions, click here:

Before guests can get their drink they need to throw a ring around one of the arms of a cactus, or other prop.  Great ice breaker at the beginning of the party and to get guests in to the party mood!

At fiestas, the piñatas are hung in the air and children are blindfolded and take turns swinging at the piñatas. Eventually, the piñata is hit hard enough and it breaks releasing the candy and toys that it contained. Try making your own piñata at home. Make sure you ask an adult for help.

• 2 cups flour
• 3 cups water
• 1 balloon
• Newspaper
• Paint, crayons, or markers
• Colored crepe paper

String

1. Blow up a large balloon and tie the end
2. Mix the flour and water together until it makes a smooth paste
3. Cut the newspaper into long 1 inch thick strips and dip into the flour/water mixture
4. Carefully place the strips on the balloon until it is covered, leaving a hole at the top
5. Set aside and let the balloon dry
6. Place another layer of newspaper dipped in the mixture over the balloon and let dry
7. Repeat with one more layer, making sure you leave the hole at the top
8. When dry, pop and remove the balloon
9. Paint your piñata with different designs and colors
10. If desired, hang colored crepe paper from the sides and bottom
11. Punch 2 small holes in the top near the opening and string a large piece of string through the two holes
12. Fill your piñata (through the hole you left at the top) with candy, toys, or any other fun surprises. You should also fill with strips of newspaper so the surprises are not all in one location
13. Tie your piñata in the air with the string and have fun!

You can be very creative with this project. You can design your piñata into any shape (animal, flower, etc,) with your imagination. Use thick colored paper filled with scrunched up newspaper and glue or tape to add any details to your basic piñata structure.

WARNING - SOME OF THESE PEPPERS ARE REALLY HOT - BE CAREFUL!

Ingredients

• Habanero, Jalapeño, Serrano, or Green Chilies from the grocery
• Large Bowls
• Plates
• Gloves
• Glasses of Milk

To Play

• Buy some habanero, jalapeño, serrano or green chilies.
• Prepare a table outside with big bowls of chilies, plates, and latex gloves, because habanero peppers tend to be hot to the touch.
• Pour some glasses of milk for your friends to kill the burn of eating all those peppers!
• Gather your guests and choose some brave contestants.
• Start a timer and the winner is the one who ate the most peppers in the least amount of time.

Requirements:

• A4 Paper
• Scissors
• Sellotape
• Blu-Tack
• Marker Pen
• Blindfold

Instructions:
Follow the link below to Old El Paso’s website.  Once there, print off the four parts of the donkey onto A4 sheets of paper, cut down and sellotape together to make one large poster. Print off as many tails as you need, cut out and number each one with a marker pen to help tell them apart. Apply Blu-Tack (or double-sided tape) to each one to allow the children to stick them on the donkey.

How to play:
Blu-Tack the donkey poster to a suitable wall at an appropriate height. Use a scarf or something similar to blindfold each person in turn and let them stick their tail on the donkey. Closest to the correct tail position wins!