Jai-Alai (pronounced hi-lie in English and hi-ah-lie in Basque) means “Merry Festival” in the Basque language. The term is used to denote a fronton (or open-walled arena) used to play a variety of Pelota called Cesta Punta, and, more broadly, to the game itself. The game is characterized by the fast pace of play, in which a 125g ball covered with parchment skin can travel faster than 180 mph. The ball is placed into play and volleyed by players wearing a wicker basket glove approximately 63 to 70 cm long.The glove, known as a Cesta-punta (in Spanish) or xistera (Basque), was invented by the French Basque Gantchiqui Diturbide (also Gantxiki Iturbide) in the 19th century.

Links

• Dania Jai-Alai, Simulcast and Poker Room, Dania Beach, Florida
• Fort Pierce Jai-Alai, Fort Pierce, Florida
• Hamilton Jai-Alai and Poker, Jasper, Florida
• Miami Jai-Alai, Miami, Florida
• Ocala Jai-Alai, Orange Lake, Florida
• Orlando Jai-Alai, Casselberry, Florida

This guide is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.

Video: Jai-alai Documentary

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