scruffy1
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Holy Year from Pamplona 2010, SJPP 2011, Lisbon 2012, Le Puy 2013, Vezelay (partial watch this space!) 2014; 2015 Toulouse-Puenta la Reina (Arles)
I know I know, this is not a true pilgrim-type activity, the game is certainly not very pilgrim-ish, but it is quite an intriguing sport. Walking through Navarra one passes quite a few open air frontons, occasionally school children or adults actually playing or practicing the sport. The basic rules of the game I understand from visits to Cuba ( a nation bonkers after the game!) and their version played only with wicker basket scoops (cestas) often named jai alai or with paddles (paleta goma) and I seem to remember one version played bare-handed like handball. I would like to look in on a game while crossing Navarra but have no idea as to when the games are played, if there is a Pelota Season or championship or where the frontons of the more expert players are located. I have read the translation by Melczer of the Liber Sancti Jacobi and the rather uncomplimentary presentation of the Basque people found there so I would like to see them in more pleasant surroundings. Any help would be appreciated.