Jai-Alai

In the Basque tongue of Spain, it means “merry festival”.
This is a very fast-paced game designed to enthrall.
Players with very long wicker baskets sling a ball
at vicious speeds to bounce off a high front fronton wall.

It is just one of many versions called “pelota”.
A goat-skin ball is volleyed with a “cesta-punta.”
It is played between teams on a court called a “cancha”.
The game draws gamblers in New England and Florida.
Plenty of excitement is there when the games begin.
The teams of players score seven or nine points to win.

To many spectators, it is exciting and fun
until they lose all their money and become undone.

pronounced "HIGH-lie"
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Devonshire Avatar
March 14, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Robert, you describe the game so well! I had a chance to see it once long ago in Daytona Beach. Very fast-paced game indeed. I didn't lose any money because I just went to watch. Not much on gambling. Enjoyed your description of jai-alai. Love, Carolyn
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