The “Jeu de Paume” (palm game), consisting in throwing and returning a ball, has been played throughout the world over centuries. Played bare-handed or with a glove, and later with a racket, the game gave birth to Basque Pelota in the 17th century. However, its popularity truly developed in the second half of the 19th century, when the game was revised and rules defined. Today, there are several versions according to the surface played on, the rules and the equipment used. The Fédération Française de Pelote Basque, founded in Bayonne in 1921, enumerates twenty-two.

The oldest and most honorable game is played bare-handed, the most spectacular with a Chistera (a sort of wicker basket), called Cesta Punta, and the easiest to play with a wooden racket known as a Pala. In general, Basque Pelota consists in sending the ball against a wall (fronton), either with or without a bounce, so it falls within the boundaries of the court (cancha), until a fault is made by the opposing team or they are unable to return it before a second bounce.

Have a go at this regional traditional game to soak up Basque culture fully.