You might have seen a carrera de cintas on a Spanish fiesta programme and wondered what everyone is supposed to be doing. Rojales is giving you the chance to find out, or even have a go yourself, this October.
The town will hold its Carrera de Cintas (Ribbon Race) at the Malecón del Soto on Friday 9 October at 18:30.
It is open to everyone of all ages, and registration is free.
Participants need to sign up at the information office in Rojales Town Hall by Friday 2 October.
The council will provide each registered participant with a ribbon for the event.
So what happens in a Carrera de Cintas?
Despite the name, this is not really a race to see who can cycle the fastest. It is a traditional test of balance, timing and accuracy.
Ribbons are rolled up and suspended above the course, with a small ring hanging from the end. Cyclists ride underneath and try to catch the ring with a small stick or similar implement as they pass. Get it right and the ribbon unrolls and comes away with the rider.
It sounds simple until you remember that you are moving on a bicycle, steering and trying to hit a very small target at the same time.
In Rojales, people can take part by providing a ribbon or by riding to collect them. Those who want to ride must arrive at the Malecón del Soto 30 minutes before the 18:30 start.
Young children need to bring their own bicycles. Rojales Council will provide bicycles for older participants.
Where does the tradition come from?
Carreras de cintas have appeared at fiestas across Spain for generations, although traditions vary considerably from one town to another.
The game has links with much older equestrian contests in which riders attempted to spear or collect small rings while travelling at speed. Historical research into the related carrera de sortijas, or ring race, connects the tradition with medieval tournaments and records versions of the contest in Spain as far back as the 16th century.
Originally, many ribbon races took place on horseback. As bicycles became part of everyday life, two wheels provided a much easier way for towns and villages to keep the tradition going.
By the 20th century, bicycle versions had become a familiar sight at local fiestas. In some towns, young women traditionally embroidered or decorated the ribbons with their names. Riders would then try to collect a particular ribbon, sometimes with a little romantic interest involved. Afterwards, successful cyclists wore their ribbons as trophies.
Today the emphasis is firmly on fun, balance and keeping an old fiesta game alive. Bicycle ribbon races still feature in celebrations around Spain, with adults and children taking part.
Do you fancy having a go in Rojales?
The Carrera de Cintas takes place at the Malecón del Soto on Friday 9 October at 18:30.
Anyone who wants to participate must register at the information office in Rojales Town Hall by Friday 2 October. There is no age limit, and the council is encouraging both men and women to join in.
Riders should arrive at 18:00 on the day. Children need their own bicycles, while the council will provide bicycles for the adults.
Even if your hand-eye coordination suggests that spectating might be the safer option, it should be an entertaining old Spanish tradition to watch from the sidelines.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- Rojales holds its Carrera de Cintas on Friday 9 October at 18:30.
- The event takes place at the Malecón del Soto.
- A Carrera de Cintas is a traditional bicycle game in which riders try to collect hanging ribbons while cycling.
- The tradition developed from much older ring and ribbon contests, many originally held on horseback.
- Men and women of all ages can take part in Rojales.
- Register at the information office in Rojales Town Hall by Friday 2 October.
- Riders should arrive at 18:00, and young children need to bring their own bicycles.
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