Museum of Traditional Games
In the town of Campo , in the heart of the Benasque Valley, lies one of the most unique spaces in Ribagorza's cultural heritage : the Museum of Traditional Games . This museum, the only one of its kind in Spain, houses a valuable collection of popular games played for generations throughout the country, with a special focus on the traditional games of the region.
The building that houses it preserves the essence of traditional Ribagorza architecture and is divided into two themed floors. The ground floor is dedicated to children's and women's games, while the upper floor showcases traditional men's games. It is a living example of Ribagorza culture , where play is seen as a tool for social transmission, learning, and identity expression.
The exhibition begins with a look at childhood games: hopscotch, diabolo, pins, trading cards, string games, and pushing a stone between squares are all part of the experience. For girls, verbal and musical games, essential to local folklore, are also highlighted. Women's games are rounded out with a recreation of the game of birllas from Campo , a tradition still alive in the area.
The upper floor leads to the area dedicated to men's games. This section is larger, reflecting the greater number and variety of male activities. A distinction is made between everyday games—a form of recreation after fieldwork—and festive games, where strength, skill, or marksmanship were publicly tested.
The collection, the result of over twenty years of research, brings together more than 200 traditional games and sports from all the Autonomous Communities, enriched with historical photographs and specialized documentation . In addition, a thematic library and a documentation center make the museum a useful resource for both researchers and visitors interested in the traditions of Ribagorza.
The museum is also a meeting point for those who wish to rediscover the value of play as an essential part of intangible heritage, promoting cultural tourism in Ribagorza from a participatory and educational perspective.
Useful information
- Pallarez Street, no number. Field
- 974 550 136
- Open all year round. Visits by prior reservation by calling 974 550 136 or writing to museodejuegostradicionales@gmail.com
