Young Children Play Traditional Andorran Games at Casa Museu Workshop

Children aged three to six explored traditional Andorran games during an interactive workshop at the Casa Museu d'Areny-Plandolit this morning, blending play with cultural heritage as part of the 'Canya als Museus' programme.

The session, designed for young children and their families, began with a guided tour tailored to the participants. Guides engaged the children by asking simple questions about differences between the historic house and modern homes, encouraging them to observe and discuss changes firsthand. This turned the visit into a lively dialogue, helping the kids identify contrasts in daily life from generations past.

After the tour, families tried out traditional games scattered around the museum rooms. Activities included xarranca, a hopping game that tested balance; xapes, played with bottle caps; and ball games. The baldufa, a spinning top, proved tricky—no one managed to get it right, sparking laughter among participants of all ages.

Quentin Malherbe, the heritage interpreter leading the workshop, emphasised the value of such events for young audiences. "It seemed important that this group could also come to the museums and enjoy the country's heritage," he said. He noted the scarcity of museum activities for three- to six-year-olds, which often require playful formats rather than standard tours to make history accessible.

Malherbe highlighted how these games, handmade locally and passed down through families, differed from today's fast-changing toys. Some, like xarranca and ball games, persist in schoolyards but with updated rules and materials.

Parents joined in, reminiscing about their own childhoods. Laia Martínez, mother of three-year-old Ona, called it a fun yet educational experience. "It's playful because they get to play at the end of the visit, and they have the chance to know a mythical house of Andorra and Andorran culture," she said. Ona's favourite was passing the ball.

The workshop wrapped up with children choosing their preferred game for another round, plus a corner for reading and drawing. The event connected participants to Andorra's past through hands-on play, making heritage vivid and engaging.