Tejo has its origins in the indigenous cultures of Colombia, particularly among the Muiscas, who played it in pre-Columbian times. The practice involved throwing a metal disc, known as a "tejo," at a target with a hole filled with gunpowder. The game was associated with rituals and ceremonies, as the Muiscas believed that the gods were involved in the practice.
Development
With the arrival of Spanish colonizers, tejo was adapted and transformed but maintained its essence. Over the centuries, the sport has remained popular in Colombia, evolving in rules and formats while preserving its traditional and festive character. Today, tejo is played both in informal events and official competitions.
##Rules and How to Play
Materials Tejo: A metal disc with a diameter of approximately 10 cm (4 inches) and a weight of around 680 grams (1.5 pounds). Court: The tejo court measures 19.5 meters (64 feet) long by 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) wide. It is covered with a special material and has a hole (called "poto") in the center filled with gunpowder. Gunpowder: The hole in the court is filled with gunpowder that, when struck by the tejo, produces an explosion and scores points.
Basic Rules
Objective: Throw the tejo into the hole in the court to make the gunpowder explode. Additional points can be scored if the tejo lands inside the hole or near the center.
Turns: Players take turns throwing two tejos per round. The team or player with the most points at the end of the round wins.
Scoring:
Direct Explosion: 6 points. Tejo Inside the Hole: 3 points. Tejo Near the Hole (within a specific area): 1 point. Game: The game is played in several rounds, and the team that reaches the predetermined score wins the game.
Strategies
Precision: Precision is key to hitting the hole and causing the explosion. Throwing Technique: Practicing the throw and adjusting the force and angle can improve performance. Defense: In some game formats, it is important to block or move the opponent's tejos to reduce their score.
Regions of Colombia Where Tejo is Practiced
Bogotá In the Colombian capital, tejo has a strong presence both in festivals and local events. There are numerous courts in neighborhoods and recreational centers. Bogotá residents enjoy tejo at social gatherings and local competitions, keeping this tradition alive in the urban environment.
Antioquia In the department of Antioquia, especially in Medellín and its surroundings, tejo is a deeply rooted tradition. In both rural and urban areas, tejo is played at community events and festivals. The region is known for its enthusiasm and skill in the sport.
Cundinamarca Cundinamarca, surrounding Bogotá, is also known for its love of tejo. In nearby municipalities such as Zipaquirá and Chía, tejo is part of local celebrations and daily life. The sport is played in both organized events and informal gatherings.
Valle del Cauca Valle del Cauca, with its capital Cali, is another prominent area for tejo. In this region, tejo is an integral part of festivals and cultural events. The local community actively participates in competitions and celebrations centered around the sport.
Other Regions Tejo is also played in other regions of Colombia such as Tolima, Santander, and Boyacá. Each region has its own variations in rules and ways of playing, but the spirit of tejo remains the same.
Tejo in the Present
Popularity Today, tejo remains a popular sport in Colombia, especially during festivals and special events. Tejo has gained national and international attention, with tournaments and competitions attracting players from all over.
Tourism
Tejo is also a tourist attraction in Colombia. Visitors can experience the sport at local courts, learn about its history and tradition, and participate in games and competitions. Many tourists seek authentic experiences, and tejo offers a unique glimpse into Colombian culture.
Competitions
Tejo features national and regional tournaments that celebrate the sport and attract both professional and amateur players. These events not only promote tejo but also strengthen the sense of community and tradition.
Tejo is much more than a simple sport in Colombia; it is a tradition rich in history and culture that continues to unite communities. We hope this blog has given you a comprehensive view of tejo and inspired you to experience this fascinating sport. We invite you to visit the mentioned regions, try tejo, and share your own experiences!
