Basque pelota
You’ve probably already heard of pelote basque, or seen the frontons when you’ve visited the Basque country. This generic name refers to several ball games derived from jeu de paume. The practice of pelota is part of Basque tradition, although the date of its origin is uncertain. However, we do know that the game of pelota is unique to the region, having originated in southern Gascony. There are more than twenty variants, with specificities varying from place to place. Pelota also depends on the accessory used and the ball. The people of the South-West who play this game are called pelotaris, whether they play on a fronton or a trinquet. Play the famous Basque pelota from your campsite in the Basque Country.
A traditional Basque discipline
Pelota is played in every Basque village, although the instrument used varies according to practice: bare-handed, with a racket, with the chistera, with a leather or wicker glove, or with the pala.
As part of your visit to Nouvelle-Aquitaine, enjoy watching the amateurs play, especially on the Bidart fronton. Unless, of course, you’d prefer to watch a real professional match. For that, the Basque pelota championship takes place in high season, in trinquet or on the town’s frontons.
Characteristics of Basque pelota
The characteristics of Basque pelota are probably derived from the evolution of jeu de paume. It takes place on a playing surface called a cancha, and is played against a frontis.
Specialties include the bare hand, the limpio, the cesta punta, the leather paleta and pala corta combined with a wooden pala, and the hollow paleta gum played with an exotic wooden puck.
The best-known is undoubtedly paleta gomme pleine, while xare and pasaka are the oldest specialties. Or there’s rebot, played by teams on a free fronton. Not to be outdone, the hybrid speciality is a mix between tennis and pelota.
Why take up pelota?
During your stay in the Basque Country, why not try your hand at a game of pelota? This sporting activity can be enjoyed with family or friends, to spend a convivial moment with your loved ones. In fact, pelota is one of the country’s most popular sports. Depending on the speciality, it can be played on a fronton, a trinquet or a left-hand wall. There are numerous clubs dedicated to Basque pelota in the region.
To try your hand at this local discipline, you can opt for introductory sessions, courses or even individual lessons, depending on what suits you best. Pelota is the embodiment of Basque culture. It is at the heart of the competitions and demonstrations for which the Basque country is famous. If you’re a fan of typical sports, you’ll love this game.