Merienda and party food at children's birthday parties: what to expect and bring

Terms used

• Merienda — The merienda is the light afternoon snack Spanish children have, and the main food at a children's party.
• Parques de bolas — Parques de bolas are indoor play centres with ball pits, often rented for children's parties.
• Chuches — Chuches are sweets and candy, handed out in goody bags and piñatas.
• Piñata — A piñata is a hanging container filled with sweets that children break open at the party.

Key rules

• Timing: Parties are usually on weekend afternoons and last about 2 to 3 hours.
• Reply: Answer the invitation on WhatsApp with a quick yes or no, and mention allergies then.
• Gift: Bring a wrapped gift; a typical one costs roughly 10 to 20 euros.
• Young children: Expect to stay with children under about 7 or 8.

When and where parties happen

Most children's parties are on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, often from about 17:00 to 19:30. Expect them to last 2 to 3 hours. The usual venues are party venues or ball-park centres (parques de bolas), parks, restaurants with play areas, homes, and community or building rooms.

Hosts often invite the whole class, so your child may get several invitations a term. This is most common for children aged 3 to 10.

How the invitation works

Invitations usually reach you through the class WhatsApp group. Some arrive as a paper card or a message handed over at school pick-up. You normally get one to two weeks' notice.

Reply by WhatsApp with a quick yes or no. If your child has an allergy, say so in the same message. The timeline below shows the order of steps.

Do you stay?

It depends on age. Parents usually stay with children under about 7 or 8. Older children are normally dropped off. If you are unsure, ask the host when you reply. Customs vary by family, school and region.

What the food looks like

The meal is a merienda, a light afternoon snack, not a sit-down dinner. Expect small sandwiches or bocadillos, tortilla, croquetas, empanadillas, crisps, sausages or pizza, and sweets (chuches). Drinks are soft drinks, juice and water.

Then comes the tarta de cumpleaños. The lights go down, candles are lit and everyone sings. Many parties also have a piñata full of sweets. Children often leave with a goody bag (bolsa de chuches).

Gifts

Bring a wrapped gift. A toy, book or game costing roughly 10 to 20 euros is typical. This is an informal custom, not a rule, and it varies by class and city.

In older classes, parents sometimes pool money for one larger gift. The class WhatsApp group is where this is usually organised. Children often open gifts at the party, so choose something your child would be happy to see opened in front of others.

Some hosts give guests a small party bag (bolsa de cumpleaños). You do not need to give one back.

Allergies and dietary needs

Tell the host or the class WhatsApp group in advance. Many parents also send their own safe food or snack with the child. Party food is simple, so it is easy to check what is in it.

Indoor play centres and restaurants must give allergen information, covering 14 listed allergens, and staff can advise if you ask. Many schools are strict about nut-free and allergen policies, so a school-linked party may follow similar habits.

Timeline and deadlines

• Invitation arrives through the class WhatsApp group, a paper card or a message at school pick-up: Usually one to two weeks before the party

• Reply to the host by WhatsApp with a quick yes or no, and mention any allergies: As soon as you can after the invitation arrives

• Buy and wrap a gift: Before the party

Frequently asked questions

Do I stay at the party with my child?

Yes, if your child is under about 7 or 8, you are usually expected to go along and often stay. Older children are normally dropped off. If you are unsure, ask the host parent when you reply to the invitation.

How much should I spend on a birthday gift?

A typical gift costs about 10 to 20 euros, usually a toy, book or game, wrapped.

What should I do if my child has an allergy?

Tell the host or the class WhatsApp group before the party, and send your own safe food or snack for your child. Party food is usually simple, such as sandwiches, crisps, cake and sweets.

What will the children be served at the party?

Expect small sandwiches or bocadillos, tortilla, croquetas, crisps and sweets, with soft drinks, juice and water. A birthday cake with candles and the song comes next, and often a piñata. Children often go home with a goody bag of sweets.