Doña Blanca: Mexican Circle Chase Game

A traditional circle game from Mexico: the circle sings and protects Doña Blanca, who stands inside, while the jicotillo, a bumblebee, looks for the pillar that will let him in. When he finds it, the chase begins. Students work on rhythm, reaction time, and group cooperation.

How to play

1. Form 3 circles of 8-9 students holding hands, with Doña Blanca inside and the jicotillo outside. While both cover their eyes, the circle secretly picks the 'paper' pillar, one pair of joined hands (2 min).
2. The circle walks around singing (in Spanish or English): 'Doña Blanca is covered with pillars of gold and silver; we will break a pillar to see Doña Blanca.' It asks, 'Who is that jicotillo?' and he answers, 'I am the one!'
3. The jicotillo touches joined hands asking, 'What is this pillar made of?' and the circle answers 'gold', 'silver', or 'iron' until he reaches the paper one.
4. The paper pair lifts their arms: Doña Blanca runs out through the gap, runs one lap around the outside, and must get back in through it before the jicotillo tags her.
5. If tagged, the jicotillo becomes Doña Blanca; if not, she picks her replacement. Play about 10 rounds with different roles (13 min).

Rules

• The circle may not let go or close the paper gap once it opens.
• The jicotillo only chases around the outside.
• Both runners go the same direction to avoid head-on collisions.
• No one repeats a role until everyone has had a turn.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays the jicotillo asking about the pillars, and the lap is half the circle.
• Hearing impairment: the circle also answers with gestures, such as arms up for the paper pillar.
• Shyness: Doña Blanca and the jicotillo may play in pairs for the first rounds.

Learning goals

• Move as a circle to the rhythm of a traditional song.
• React quickly to a signal to run or chase.
• Learn a song and a children's game from Mexican tradition.

Teacher tip

'Jicotillo' comes from 'jicote', a Mexican word for a bumblebee. Teach the song before playing: once students know it, there is no waiting.

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