AUSTIN, Texas — It's a party staple that's meant to be broken. Piñatas are a fun and colorful way to celebrate special occasions, especially here in Texas – but stores that sell them are becoming harder and harder to find.
East Cesar Chavez used to be lined up and down with countless Latino businesses. But as Austin has changed, so has the neighborhood.
“We moved because the rent was too high, and so we couldn't afford it,” Ana Cano of Mr. Brincolin said.
Cano saw the writing on the wall 12 years ago. She and her family relocated their East Austin business, Mr. Brincolin, to West Rundberg Lane and North Lamar Boulevard.
“Oh yes, because of the rent. They're just too expensive. Not affordable for small businesses,” Cano said.
Last week, another East Austin mainstay realized it was time to move. Piñata Party Palace closed up shop after nearly 40 years. Owner Jorge Salazar said he got priced out of the neighborhood and is in search of a new location.
Back in 2018, KVUE Daybreak visited the store that once proudly served Austin.
“It’s about sharing our Mexican tradition, you know. Having a party without a piñata is not as fun, and having a piñata just makes it more fun,” Cano said.
While it’s sad these places are no longer in their same old recognizable locations, the owners are intent on making sure they carry on the tradition elsewhere.
“We value our customers a lot. Some of them even have kids now, and we're doing the piñatas for them and that's very special for us, to see the customers come back and even bring their children,” Cano said.
These owners say they want to encourage Austinites to shop local and support small businesses, which is the only way they can survive.
The shops are already preparing for Halloween and Thanksgiving, where they'll make pumpkin and turkey piñatas.
