Have you ever heard of Gayado? It’s a super fun game that people used to play a long time ago, even before the Inca Empire time. Gayado comes from a group of games played in ancient times. This game is a mix of fun, skill, and teamwork, and it’s something we can all still enjoy today.
Let’s dive into the amazing story of Gayado: where it came from, how people play it, and why it’s still a wonderful game for kids and adults to learn.
Gayado and History
Gayado is an ancient Peruvian game that consists of two teams, each member carries a stick, similar to hockey. The curious ball weighs around 4 kg and is made of vicuña or camelid fur. The team pushes the peculiar ball with wooden sticks toward the end of the street and scores points.
Although there is no exact proof, probably the one who promoted the Gayado’s practice was Pachacutec, the most powerful inca emperor of all. Known for implementing festivities and rituals, Pachacutec also expanded the empire reaching almost half of South America.
Although people enjoyed similar games in Central America, the Gayado may have its roots in the Moche culture, a pre inca civilization that ruled northern Peru. Since then, Gayado, played in ancient Peru before the Inca period having many regional versions.
Later, during the Spanish conquest, Spanish chroniclers like Cristobal de Molina or Juan de Betanzos stated that this game included physical challenges like races and endurance tests and was a part of larger ritual celebrations.
People used to play Gayado on special occasions. Teams of men and women played the game using wooden sticks to move the ball weighing up to four kilograms. They played it on special occasions, it brought communities (ayllus) together and reinforced Inca spiritual and cultural values.
The Matches took place in open plains, often accompanied by chicha to enhance the festivities. Gayado was especially popular in Kollasuyu, which stretched from the Bolivian Altiplano to Cusco. Today, we can still see elements of this ancient game in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where its cultural legacy continues to thrive.
How is Gayado Played?
Alright, now you’re probably wondering, “How do I play Gayado?” Don’t worry! It’s not a tricky game, and you don’t need anything fancy to start playing. All you need is some open space, a bit of creativity, and a group of friends or family.
Here’s how you play:
The Setup:
You need two teams, each with the same number of players.
Make a starting line and a goal area, which can be marked on the ground with stones, sticks, or chalk.
The Main Object:
The ball, which some call the “gayado” is the main element of the game. If you can buy or make a cloth ball, that would be better. Remember, the heaviest the better, as the ball weighs around 4 kg.
The Rules:
Players must run quickly but carefully while holding the Gayado.
You must use only the stick to push the ball to the rival area, your team members will help you.
The team that scores the most points is the winner.
Traditions Around Gayado
In the olden days, Gayado was more than just a game. It was part of special celebrations and important festivals for indigenous peoples. The game brought whole communities together. Imagine people cheering, clapping, and laughing as they watched players run and compete.
It was like a mix of a race and a game of catch, with everyone excited to see which team would win. Some families even made their own special Gayado—a beautifully decorated stick or stone—to make the game feel extra special. Passing down a family Gayado from one generation to the next became a way to honor their traditions.
Gayado Today – Is it still played?
You might be asking, “Do people still play Gayado today?” Well, not as much as before, but some communities still keep the tradition alive. Each year on November 2nd, the Coya village, in the middle of the sacred valley performs this ancient tradition.
During this event, the winners receive special recognition and a cup. Just like the tradition says, the participants dress in inca costumes. The players, before and after the game drink chicha, the Andean beer, or the lighter version, frutillada is also present.
People say that the winning team gets to enjoy the best harvests of the year. On the other side, the losing team may not receive Pachamama’s blessing. Still, they boost the community spirit. Today, we also see influences from the deities brought by the Spanish, thanks to a blending of traditions.
Village priests come together to bless the game, showing how much this event means to everyone. As things change over time, the communities work hard to keep a cherished tradition alive. It has lasted for over five hundred years.
Why should we remember Gayado?
Gayado is more than just a game; it’s a piece of history. It teaches us about the Andean people and their creative ways of having fun. It’s a game that brings people together, encourages teamwork, and shows us that sometimes, the simplest games are the most fun.
Here are three big reasons to remember Gayado:
It’s fun! – Anyone can play, no matter how young or old you are.
It’s full of history – By playing Gayado, you’re connecting with traditions that are hundreds of years old.
It brings people together – whether it’s friends, family, or classmates, Gayado is all about sharing joy and teamwork.
So why not grab a ball or a stick, gather some friends, and try playing Gayado today? You’ll have fun and keep an ancient tradition alive at the same time!
Conclusion
Gayado might be an ancient game, but it’s still full of life, fun, and excitement. It’s a game that connects us to the past and reminds us that the best kind of play doesn’t need fancy toys or technology—just people, creativity, and a spirit of fun.
So, the next time you’re looking for something to do outside, remember Gayado. Invite your friends, set up a starting line, and see who’s the fastest, the steadiest, and the best at keeping the Gayado safe. Who knows? You might even start a new tradition of your own!
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