PLAYFUL TRADITIONS IN THE CENTRAL PORTUGUESE WAY OF ST. JAMES: BOWLING AT THE END OF THE WAY

Abstract

This study sought to determine the existence of traditional bowling (Juego de Bolos) in the final part of the Central Portuguese Way of St. James (Porto-Valença do Minho), which would allow us to continue the study conducted in Galicia’s Way of St. James to understand the genesis of that popular and traditional game. We conducted a qualitative, descriptive and interpretive study using interviews as a tool for data collection. The study’s sample included 27 people: nine Municipal sports coaches, nine teachers specialized in Physical Education (EB2), and nine non-specialist Physical Education (EB1) teachers. There was little practice of traditional bowling in the municipalities crossed by the Central Portuguese way, with the exception of Paredes de Coura, where the Chavelho’s game was unique to that Portuguese town.

Keywords
Leisure activities; Recreational games; Bowling; Popular culture