Pinata (Spanish pronunciation: [piˈɲata]) is a papier-mache or other type of container that is decorated, filled with toys and/or candy, and then broken as part of a ceremony or celebration. Pinatas are most commonly associated with Mexico. The idea of breaking a container filled with treats came to Europe in the 14th century, where the name, from the Italian ˇ§pignattaˇ¨ was introduced.