Game of the Marbles in the Field
El marbles game It is one of the most unique and vibrant traditions of CountrysideA town in Ribagorza that has proudly preserved this cultural heritage. Its preservation and dissemination are largely due to the tireless work of the El Rampeu Sports AssociationFounded in 1990 and currently composed of around 200 members. From its beginnings, this association has worked with two clear objectives: to maintain the historical value of the game intact y to motivate new generations of women so that they can get started in this practice.
During the summer, the streets of Campo often come alive with games of birllas, becoming a spectacle for both locals and visitors. The playing field must be flat, and the balls are placed on it. nine balls —turned pieces in beech wood— in three rows of threeThese burrs, although cylindrical in shape, have a characteristic irregular shape: thicker in the center, creating a kind of "belly", and tapering at their ends.
The key element to take them down is the cake, a piece of wood that weighs almost four kilos and has two slitsOne for the thumb and another for the rest of the fingers, allowing for a firm and controlled throw. The game is played between two teams made up of two to five women Each one. The objective is simple but requires precision and strength: knock down as many marbles as possible. The game continues until one of the teams manages make six hands, which means achieving six points or rounds won.
El marbles game It's not just a sporting activity, but also an element of social cohesion. It brings together women of different ages, fosters intergenerational interaction, and strengthens ties to local roots. Furthermore, playing it in the street, in front of neighbors and visitors, transforms each game into a festive event that forms part of the cultural tourism of Ribagorza.
Anyone visiting Campo during the summer should not miss the opportunity to witness this traditional game, which is part of the Unique experiences that define the municipality's identity and its commitment to preserving traditions. The birllas, more than a game, are a living legacy that continues to defy the passage of time.
