These self-adhesive Piñatas Pinatas Forever stamps - the 3rd in the Hispanic Heritage series - were issued by the U.S. Postal Service on September 8, 2023 at the 36th annual Piñata Festival in Roswell, NM - celebrating the traditional Mexican fiesta favorite. Víctor Meléndez of Seattle, WA created the original art and designed the four digital illustrations of two traditional piñata designs - a donkey and a seven-pointed star. The bright, saturated color palette was inspired by Mexican culture, and adds to the exuberant and celebratory feel of the stamps. The donkey illustrations are set against either a pink or orange background; and the stars feature either a purple or green background.

     Today, the piñata is still an important part of many celebrations in Mexico and the United States, and the custom has spread to other countries. Piñatas feature in all manner of festivities: holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. They are a traditional part of the posadas, a nine-day festival held in early December that commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.

     The customs surrounding piñatas today are very similar to those from centuries ago. Filled with treats and presents, the piñata hangs by ropes that can be manipulated to move up, down or sideways. A blindfolded player tries to strike the piñata with a stick while the rope is pulled to make a direct hit more difficult. Each player takes a turn until one breaks the piñata, scattering its contents on the ground to be gathered up by all the participants. Though the meaning of breaking the piñata has evolved, the result is still the same: bounty for all.

Collectible Stamps, Great Gift, or Use for Postage. Scott # 5812 - 5815