Three unique Valencian sports.
If you are learning Spanish in Valencia or simply want to learn more about the local culture, we invite you to discover three unique Valencian sports that stand out for their history, tradition and passion.
The Valencian Community is not only known for its Mediterranean climate, spectacular beaches and vibrant culture but also for its traditional sports that are part of the Valencian identity and cultural heritage.
Over the years, these sports have been practised and celebrated for generations, and continue to be a fundamental part of life in this region.
Let’s see what they are…
1. Pilota Valenciana: the King of sports.
The pilota valenciana is, without a doubt, the most emblematic traditional sport of the Valencian Community. It is a ball game that is played in various modalities (such as escala i corda, fronton or galotxa) and has centuries of history.
It is played both in the street and in trinquetes, special courts with walls.
The aim of the game is to hit the ball with the hand so that it bounces off the walls and reaches the opponent’s court. It is similar to tennis, although without racquets.
The players, known as pilotaris, have to have great skill and agility to return the ball accurately.
The sport is deeply rooted in Valencian culture and is still very popular, especially in small towns and villages where the games attract a large audience.
Did you know that…? The pilota valenciana has been recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Valencian Community due to its historical importance.
2. Colpbol: innovation and teamwork
Colpbol is a relatively young Valencian sport. It was created in the 1990s by a physical education teacher named Juanjo Bendicho. What makes this sport special is its focus on cooperation and equal participation.
Colpbol is played with a ball similar to football’s, that players must hit it with their hands (hence its name: “colp” means ‘”hit” in Valencian). The aim is to score goals in the opposing team’s goal.
What sets colpbol apart from other team sports is its emphasis on inclusion. All players, regardless of their physical ability, are essential to the team.
In addition, there are no fixed positions, which encourages everyone to actively participate in attack and defence.
This sport has spread throughout schools and sports centres in the Valencian Community, being highly appreciated for its educational approach and its ability to promote values such as companionship and equality.
3. Llargues: the classical version of pelota callejera
Another version of the Valencian pelota game is la llargues; a sport that is also played in the street and which is still very popular in Valencian villages.
It is called llargues because the players try to hit the ball as far as possible (long distance). The aim is to make the ball hit the ground in the opponent’s court without the opposing team being able to return it.
The Llargues is played with a larger ball than pilota valenciana and requires a lot of technique, strength and strategy.
Traditionally, games are played in the streets of the villages, which gives a festive and community atmosphere to each match.
This sport keeps alive the tradition of popular games in the Valencian Community, and the games are events that bring together neighbours and onlookers, encouraging coexistence and a healthy competitive spirit.
The Valencian Community is not only known for its landscapes and culture, but also for its passion for traditional sports.
Whether you are a sports lover or simply want to learn more about the local customs, exploring sports such as pilota valenciana, colpbol or la llargues will help you to better understand the soul of this region.
Also, if you’re in Valencia, don’t hesitate to attend a game or even take part in one of these unique sports!
We look forward to seeing you at our Spanish language school El Rincón del Tándem so that you can discover much more about the culture of our region.
See you soon!
