In reply to Jim.

I went to a "Transformers" birthday party last weekend (ah, the joys of having a 5 year old)...they had a pinata, but you did not smash it up. I was informed that the new pinatas have strings.

Basically, the kids all pull a string until the pinata opens. Once it opens, all the candy flows from its booty (yep, it opens a big hole below the back and above the legs)

I not sure if this is just only here in the UK or not.