When it comes to business during the pandemic, some of the hardest-hit ​operations have been those tied to entertainment such as weddings, parties, and social events. In Mexico City, as society begins to return to normal, ​there's a particular business that's also fighting to keep long-held traditions alive. 

The Mexican piñata – a papier-mâché creation filled with candy and beaten by blindfolded kids to claim the ​goodies locked inside. It’s a Mexican party tradition going back centuries.

No children’s party here is complete without one, yet the global pandemic is changing this tradition – as Claudia Torres, out shopping for her son’s fourth birthday, knows only too well.

“The piñata is the climax of the whole party. But we have to do it differently now. His birthday was in April, but we can only celebrate now that his grandparents are vaccinated, in an open-air park, and with very limited people," she said.

At Piñatas Mena, one of Mexico City’s longest-standing specialty shops, the change in demand is clear.

"Sales are very low. Children’s parties were big events before, requiring two or three piñatas, but now our clients need just one little piece for an event to which only five kids are invited," said employee Estefanía Cortés.

Back at the workshop, Hugo Mena runs the operation. It has been a rough few years.  He was displaced by the massive 2017 earthquake – and now getting through the pandemic is about changing the business model.

But with hopes that Mexico City may soon downgrade its pandemic protocols to yellow – the third of four tiers on its national virus map – Hugo sees encouraging signs for better days ahead.  

"There has been a little more business over the past month, and it seems like the authorities may soon permit party venues to reopen, so we hope that happens, so that we too can benefit," Mena said.

"We are betting that things will get back to normal. Mexicans are joyful people and they love parties, so we hope we’ll start seeing parties again like there were before."

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