'We're gonna smash the virus:' COVID-19 piatas spark joy for Alberta seniors, CBC staff

The staff of the Calgary Eyeopenerrecently ordered a locally madeCOVID-19piatawith the intention of smashing its smugface on Wednesday and they weren't the only ones.

Theresidents at the Tudor Manor supportive living facility in Okotoksalso 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 piatas so they could beat the virus to deathand then reward their efforts with a candy surprise.

"The residents worked together, they participated, they were so happy," recreation therapy aid Maritza Mayoratold the Calgary Eyeopener.

Originally from Mexico, she helped the residents craft the authentic piatas. Thesaidthe 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 theresidents at Tudor Manor are nowvaccinated, and Mayora said she wanted to find a way to celebrate the Mexican holiday with them.

She loved making piatas 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 piata.'"

Ready for new beginnings

The residents got to work last week on four piatas, 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-consumingbut fun.

Watch how this Calgary senior works out some COVID-19 frustrations

3 years ago

Duration 1:21

Residents at Tudor Manor are now vaccinated so they got an opportunity to have a little fun with a very special piata. (Video submitted by Sherry Little)

"Oh, it's wonderful, absolutely wonderful," Hart said.

"You get to make something that you know everyone is going to enjoyand 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.

"Thisis a symbolic thing," Mayora said. "We just really want to get everybody ready for new beginnings."

With files from the Calgary Eyeopener