The piata has become a birthday party staple in the United States, but it originated in the celebratory culture of Mexico. From Cinco de Mayo to the many religious festivals, the parties in Mexico often show deep cultural roots that include ties to the Spanish and Aztec people of the country's past. Readers experience the vibrant Mexican culture and history through crafts in this book, including step-by-step instructions on how to make a piata, skull mask, and maracas. These fun, easy-to-do crafts engage readers with social studies information about Mexican national holidays, traditional architecture, and even the popular sports of bullfighting and soccer!