The colorful cast of �Viva Pi�ata�,� a new game for the Xbox 360� video game and entertainment system, will be the bearers of fun, music, children�s activities and video game demonstrations at six launch events in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. Microsoft Corp. will host the multicity tour to celebrate the launch of �Viva Pi�ata� for the Xbox 360, as well as to provide parents with information about online safety and �Viva Pi�ata�-related educational programs for children.

�The Xbox 360 game �Viva Pi�ata� inspired us to take the spirit of the game and expand the concept to create learning tools to help kids experience more about their Hispanic heritage in a fun and engaging way,� said Chris Di Cesare, director of Xbox marketing at Microsoft. �One example is a �Viva Pi�ata� digital desktop pet pi�ata that people can download to their computer. Every day the pi�ata will share new information about Hispanic culture from key holidays to Spanish vocabulary.�

Children attending the events can enjoy pi�ata-making workshops, interactive video game demonstrations and the opportunity to be photographed with the characters from the �Viva Pi�ata� animated TV series. A traditional pi�ata breaking game will also give children an opportunity to win an Xbox 360 and �Viva Pi�ata� game.