The traditional Maltese game of Il-Gostra is a vital part of some local festas that take place during the summer months. But did you know that a very similar version of this game is played overseas?

A video shared to social media by LADbible shows a group of men playing a Gostra-like game in Puerto de Sagunto in Valencia, Spain.

The biggest difference between the Spanish and Maltese versions of the game is that the poles used locally are generally much longer.

Also, Il-Gostra usually has three flags stuck at the top of the pole, as opposed to the one shown in the video.

The LADbible clip shows that a plastic ramp was placed in the run-up to the pole, giving participants a slight boost ahead of the challenge. In spite of this, none of the players emerged successful.

Another version of this Maltese game is also played annually at the Pavilion Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The pole used in this version is placed much higher up, and participants are often seen wearing funny costumes instead of conventional bathing suits.

Facebook/LADbible