Allariz sees high participation in traditional billarda games

The town of Allariz is experiencing a significant resurgence of the traditional game billarda during the summer months. Held at the A Barreira field, the competition has seen a notable turnout this year, including 96 male and 26 female participants.

Billarda is played in pairs using two wooden pieces: a long stick known as the billarda and a smaller, sharpened piece called the billarico or taco. Players strike the end of the taco to make it jump, then hit it with the billarda to propel it as far as possible. The winner is determined by the greatest distance achieved.

The competition, which began around 1985, has become a unique regional event that attracts players from various areas, including Catalonia and the Basque Country. The game maintains generational continuity, with local leagues established for younger players to ensure the tradition persists.