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buber.net > Basque > Sports > Pelota
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Pelota


Here is some news about recent events in Euskal Herria related to the championship of basque pelota in Iparraldea.


At the last world championship of Basque pelota in Cuba, the Basque team was allowed to march independently from the Spanish team. The Basque team was also allowed to carry the ikurrina. This year the Basque team also wanted to march representing Euskadi and not the Spanish State but it was not allowed. Consequently, Kultur Gizakera was created to vindicate the presence of a Basque team in the world championships of Basque pelota. This popular platform, defined as cultural and nonpolitical, was the initiative of the sculptor Jorge Oteiza. Kultur Gizakera has gained the support of people in the arts and sports such as Andoni Egana, Mikel Laboa, Jesus Mari Zamora, Ainhoa Arteta, Jose Luis Zumeta, Xabier Elorriaga and Bernardo Atxaga.

With the slogan "Euskadi gabe Mundialik ez", Kultur Gizakera has started a campaign collecting signatures and organizing events in Donibane Lohizune with the traditional Angelus, a popular dinner, bertsolaris and the performance of Txomin Artola among many other artists.

About the Basque ball game:

There are different ways of playing Basque pelota: with the hand, a bat, "remonte" and "cesta", which are types of baskets, and "trinquete" and "share", two kinds of rackets. There are different kinds of pelota courts where this sport is played.

Zesta Punta
is played with a wicker basket approximately 63 to 70 cms long. The ball weighs about 125 grs and is covered with parchment skin. This kind of pelota is played in a fronton called Jai-Alai and is characterized by the speed of the pelota.
Pelota-Mano
is played with the bare hand and three types of balls: soft (gotxua), medium and hard. This kind of pelota is played either singles or doubles.
Frontenis
a tennis racquet is used with a cordage slightly reinforced and the ball is hollowed and weighs 45 grs. Frontenis is played in a fronton of 30 m and it has both men's and women's categories.

Paleta, Pala Korta:

Paleta-Pelota Kuero
the paleta is 50 cm long and weighs about 550 grs. The ball, which is covered with leather, weighs 52 grs. This game is played in a fronton of 36 m.
Pala Korta
the pala is 50 cm long, 10 cm wide and weighs 700 grs. The ball is very fast and is covered with a parchment that weights 90 grs. This game is played in a fronton of 36 m.
Paleta-Pelota Goma
the paleta is 50 cms long, 20 cms wide and weighs 450 grs. The ball is made of rubber and weights 40 grs. Both categories, men's and women's, are played in a foreyard and in a fronton of 30 m.
Xare
the racquet is also called Argentine racquet and it consists of chestnut ring 55 cms long and 16 cms wide and a net that allows the receiving and sending of the ball without keeping or hitting it. The ball weighs 80 grs and is covered with parchment. This is a very fast game and is played in a foreyard.
For more information consult:

Basque Pelota Federation
Apdo. 246,
Durango (Bizkaia)
Tel. 94 681 81 08
Fax. 94 681 84 71

The four cities in Ipar Euskal Herria where the World Championship of Pelota is taking place are: Donibane-Lohizume, Hendaia, Ascain, and Sempere.


(P) by Anzi
(Sorry for this poor translation!)
Corrections are welcome.

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