How is it played? (Rules)

The teams, made up of three players, compete on a course of 1350 meters, to be played in the smallest possible number of throws. The narrow, winding streets of the historic city centre do not allow players to rely only on their own skills, but also on a good deal of luck. The launch is carried out by tightly wrapping the cheese shape with a lanyard (used by the shoemakers for sewing). Once the cheese has been rolled up tightly, the cheese is thrown in and the string is quickly drawn, so as to speed up the cheese. The participating teams alternate each other at the launch until the itinerary is completed.

Sport or Game History and origins:

Since the beginning of 1600, during the winter period, in particular during carnival festivals, the «Launch of Maiorchino» has been played on the streets of Novara in Sicily. The widespread practice in the past throughout the north-eastern region of Sicily, has now remained only around Novara di Sicilia. The winter period corresponds to the period during which the ripening of this cheese weighing 10 to 12 kg is checked. one of the solutions to see the degree of maturation (turned rapidly into a game that involves the entire population) consists of rolling the shape along the narrow and impervious lanes of the town.

Submitted by

AGA-ASSOCIAZIONE-GIOCHI-ANTICHI

Objective

Coprire la distanza del percorso nel minor numero di lanci possibile.

Benefits

Physical: Physical condition improvement (strength, speed, endurance, etc)
Physical: Motor skills improvement (coordination, balance, agility, etc.)
Psychological: Relaxation (de-stressing, problem distractor, etc.)
Psychological: Psychological skills improvement (motivation, leadership, group cohesion, concentration, etc.)
Social: Socialization (social relations based on game/sport).
Social: Integration (intergenerational, integender, intercomunities, etc.)

Game’s materials

Cheese shape of 10 / 12 Kg. characteristic product of the territory. Hemp lanyard of about 3 meters.

Is it related to an specific event or festivity ( festivals, religious or pagan celebrations)?

The activity takes place especially during carnival parties.