El Pañuelo
Also known as The Handkerchief Game, Juego del pañuelo
Two numbered teams race toward a central handkerchief when their number is called; the player who grabs it must race back to safety before being tagged.
How to play
Divide into two equal teams. Each team stands behind a line, facing each other about 15, 20 metres apart.
A referee stands in the centre holding a handkerchief.
Each player on both teams takes the same number (1, 2, 3…).
The referee calls a number; both players with that number sprint to the centre.
The player who grabs the handkerchief must race back to their own line without being tagged by their opponent.
If they make it safely, their team scores a point; if tagged before crossing, the opposing team scores.
First team to an agreed number of points wins.
Keep it fair
The referee must hold the handkerchief steady and release it only when both players are within arm's reach, no early releasing that gives one side an advantage.
