'We're gonna smash the virus:' COVID-19 piñatas spark joy for Alberta seniors, CBC staff
Calgary Eyeopener hosts, residents of supportive living facility take cathartic swings on Cinco de Mayo
The staff of the Calgary Eyeopener recently ordered a locally made COVID-19 piñata with the intention of smashing its smug face on Wednesday — and they weren't the only ones.
The residents at the Tudor Manor supportive living facility in Okotoks also found a creative way to unleash pent-up aggression toward the virus that has caused so much grief.
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, they crafted four COVID-19 piñatas so they could beat the virus to death and then reward their efforts with a candy surprise.
"The residents … worked together, they participated, they were so happy," recreation therapy aid Maritza Mayora told the Calgary Eyeopener.
Do you feel like giving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19AB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19AB</a> a good, hard whack? We all do. So we bought a COVID piñata! Now we need you to tell us what do fill it with. Thoughts, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yyc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yyc</a>? <a href="https://t.co/VU31ZZH8Aq">pic.twitter.com/VU31ZZH8Aq</a>
—@CBCEyeopenerOriginally from Mexico, she helped the residents craft the authentic piñatas. The said the spiky little viruses were going to be destroyed with a lot of "love and happiness."
"Today's the big day — we're gonna smash the virus!"
'The idea just came'
The pandemic ushered in a tougher-than-tough year for many Albertans, and having weathered isolation, outbreaks and loss, residents in long-term care and supportive living facilities have had an exceptionally difficult time.
But the residents at Tudor Manor are now vaccinated, and Mayora said she wanted to find a way to celebrate the Mexican holiday with them.
She loved making piñatas as a young girl, and decided to share the experience with the residents at Tudor Manor.
"We have a lot of activities and a lot of fun in this facility, and we knew that Cinco de Mayo is coming," Mayora said.
"We started talking about how we're going to celebrate … and then the idea just came, original from everybody. They decided, 'OK, we can just make a piñata.'"
Ready for new beginnings
The residents got to work last week on four piñatas, and some represent the virus and variants.
Constructing them with balloons and paper was a process that brought back memories for resident Joan Hart, who used to make them for her daughter's birthdays. She described it as time-consuming but fun.
"Oh, it's wonderful, absolutely wonderful," Hart said.
"You get to make something that you know everyone is going to enjoy … and then looking forward to the fun of destroying it, as we like to think of destroying COVID."
For Mayora, the process has been a beautiful experience. She said the festivities represent renewal.
"This is a symbolic thing," Mayora said. "We just really want to get everybody ready for new beginnings."
With files from the Calgary Eyeopener