Bola Canaria

When I discovered Bola Canaria, I realized it's not just about throwing balls: it's about culture, history, and the conviviality that comes with every round. Playing it means getting in touch with something very Canarian: the traditional rules (each player throws their balls to get closer to the jack; the closest one wins after the rounds are completed), the clay/stone surface, the sound of the balls falling, the atmosphere of friends and fans around, and the conversations that always arise.

It's a sport that doesn't require expensive equipment: balls, a jack, a suitable space (usually municipal courts), and a lot of enthusiasm. That's why there are Bola Canaria clubs almost everywhere on the island, and events such as island and regional championships, as well as the Tenerife Council Games, include this sport.

One of the things I like most about Bola Canaria is that it doesn't discriminate against age: I see older people training with young people, children learning, and for those who've never played it, there are clubs that lend equipment, teach, and make it accessible. That's a real asset: you don't have to be an elite athlete or have special equipment to participate, and yet each course has its own character (the terrain, weather, slope, shade, etc. vary).

If I had to say when it really hooks you: when you step onto a course on tournament day, with an audience, a drink, some shade, laughter, friendly arguments, and tense moments when the ball is close to the jack—that makes you appreciate that it's more than just hitting a ball: it's identity.