13 Calabazo

El Calabazo: A Unique Irrigation Game

Overview of El Calabazo

• El calabazo riego al calabaza is a traditional irrigation method derived from the need to manage terrace slopes in agricultural fields, utilizing a device historically made from sun-dried gourd skins.

• The modern version consists of a container made from 12 welded metal pieces, showcasing an evolution in materials while maintaining its cultural significance.

Cultural Significance and Classification

• This practice is localized in the Aridane Valley on La Palma Island and presents challenges for classification within Canarian games due to its origins tied to labor rather than leisure.

• The transition from irrigation activity to game stems from the enthusiasm surrounding the work itself, paralleling other games that also originate from labor.

Elements of the Game

• Key components include:

• Canal: The channel through which water flows.

• Regadera: The area where water is poured out, featuring seating spaces nearby.

• Calabazo: Comprising a sturdy wooden lever and a container for collecting and transporting water.

Technical Execution

• The technique employed by calabaceros involves alternating between standing and sitting positions to optimize leverage and wrist movement during filling and emptying actions.

• Demonstrations are conducted using water containers as substitutes for actual canals, serving both as recognition for this fading craft and highlighting individual skill levels based on their ability to move larger volumes of water.