PINATAS: They’re traditional and festive, yes, but...

PINATAS: They’re traditional and festive, yes, but “a lot of people complain about the violence of hitting a pinata,” says Santa Ana pinata merchant Oscar Vargas. . . . Vargas’ solution: A kinder, gentler pinata. . . . Participants take turns picking and pulling on strings hanging from the bottom. Tug the right one and the pinata pops open. . . . Cinco de Mayo celebrations make this one of the busiest times of the year for pinata makers.