Discover the most popular traditional sports in Spain

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Surely you know the most common sports in Spain such as football, basketball, tennis, cycling and golf. However, there are other traditional sports from the Spanish regions that, if you are a curious athlete, you will want to try. Discover these games rich in Spanish culture and visit the main destinations in Spain as an expert in their local sport.

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Players in a game of Basque pelota © Alberto Cabello

Basque pelota: play it with your hand

This traditional game from the Basque Country originated in the 13th century and involves at least two players. Each player must take turns hitting a ball against a wall at the limits of a court called a "frontón". Although it can be played with rackets, "palas" (bats) and "remontes" (basket like shape), it is traditional to play it with your bare hand.No matter which city in the region you visit, you will always be able to find Basques playing this fun sport. Go ahead and try it after visiting places as spectacular as, for example, the medieval old town of Vitoria, the impressive architecture of the Guggenheim in Bilbao and La Concha beach in Saint Sebastian.
View of Canarian wrestling championship © Ayuntamiento de Arona

Canarian wrestling: a challenge to balance

If you are planning some holidays in the archipelago, you are bound to make the most of the hours of sunshine on beaches like El Médano in Tenerife, La Pared in Fuerteventura and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. Add a dose of sport to your route by discovering Canarian wrestling, a symbol of the island's identity.The indigenous people of the islands already played this interesting sport, which consists of unbalancing the opponent until you make them touch the ground with any part of their body. On a circular terrain, techniques called "tricks" are used to unbalance your opponent, always without hurting them and while prioritising skill. As the saying goes: better skill than strength!
The Aragonese bar: a throw full of history

The workers in the fields in Aragon have played the Aragonese bar for centuries. At the end of their hardworking days, they challenged each other to throw one of the pieces from the plough to see who could reach the greatest distance. And so this game became popular until it was played every Sunday in town squares. Currently it is still played, so feel free to visit magical towns in Aragon like Alquézar in Huesca, Uncastillo in Zaragoza and Albarracín in Teruel to watch this traditional Spanish sport played live.
Murcian caliche: a fun game for all ages

If you go to Murcia and visit places as beautiful as Lorca, Caravaca de la Cruz and Cartagena, in addition to discovering an impressive cultural and historical heritage, you may see people playing the well-known Murcian caliche. This is a traditional game originating in the 20th century that consists of placing a cylindrical piece on the ground, called a "caliche", and knocking it down with metal pieces, known as "moneos". An ideal game for children and adults: try it and enjoy one of the most original plans in the region of Murcia! And these are some of the most traditional sports in Spain. You want to try one of them, right? Visit Spanish cities and become an expert in these interesting games!