The “Don’t Forget Our Roots” program strengthens indigenous sports presence at FEAGA 2026

The “Don’t Forget Our Heritage” program, promoted by the Sports Department of the Fuerteventura Island Council, has once again taken a prominent role at the Fuerteventura Agricultural, Livestock and Fishing Fair (FEAGA) 2026, offering an extensive schedule dedicated to the archipelago’s traditional sports and games.

During the fair, a variety of activities were organized, including permanent exhibitions, meetings and competitions, all aimed at encouraging knowledge and practice of native disciplines among the population, especially the younger generations.

A notable addition this year was the inclusion of the Island Federation of Latin Sailing, which participated with the council’s training vessel, thereby expanding the representation of traditional sports within the fairgrounds.

Luis González, the council’s Sports Councillor, emphasized the program’s importance at FEAGA, noting that it helps reinforce the identity and traditions linked to the primary sector.

On Friday, schoolchildren from every municipality on the island took part in activities and demonstrations coordinated with the island federations, getting hands‑on experience with traditional games and sports such as the shepherd’s jump and the “palo” (stick) game.

Another highlight was the Antonio Cano Age‑Based Individual Championship in Canarian wrestling, organized by the Island Federation of Canarian Wrestling, which brought together more than sixty boys and girls from island schools.

FEAGA also hosted the IX Fuerteventura‑Lanzarote Pelotamano Meeting, featuring participants from the program’s pelotamano workshop and invited teams from other islands. In addition, the XVI Island Meeting of the Canarian Stick Game took place, cementing its status as a regular fixture of the fair.

In the realm of Canarian ball (bola canaria), one of the most attended events, the Island Cup gathered over 300 participants across 55 teams. The women’s team Pintaderas and the men’s team Tamasite emerged as champions after the finals.

A gathering of veteran bola canaria players was also organized, underscoring the intergenerational nature of these activities.

Through its presence at FEAGA 2026, the “Don’t Forget Our Heritage” program continues to promote the preservation and diffusion of traditional sports, helping keep Fuerteventura’s cultural identity alive.