Bolos leoneses, Traditional bowling game in León Province, Spain
Bolos leoneses is a bowling game where players roll a semi-spherical wooden ball down an inclined lane to knock down nine large pins and one smaller pin. The playing surface has a distinctive slope and the pins are arranged in three rows.
This game originated in León Province as a social activity during agricultural gatherings and celebrations centuries ago. Over time it became an important expression of regional sporting heritage and continues today.
Regular tournaments bring communities together in dedicated playing areas where participants compete according to local rules and traditions. These gatherings remain deeply rooted in the social fabric of the region today.
The playing area is roughly 25 to 30 meters long and 9 to 10 meters wide, with viewing spaces available for those who want to watch or learn the game. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since the sloped surface can be uneven.
A special feature is the Onces scoring system, where players earn bonus points by knocking down specific pin combinations in predetermined patterns. These special plays add strategy and entertainment to each round.
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