“The fastest projectile speed in any moving ball game is approximately 302 km/h (188 mph) in Jai-Alai (“merry festival” in Basque). This compares with around 270 km/h (170 mph) for a golf ball driven off a tee.” Guinness World Records. 
Basques fi rst played pelota with bare hands, then with leather gloves, wooden paddles and primitive rackets. The cesta, the woven basket that is the throwing and catching tool,came into use in the mid-1800's. By the latter part of the 19th century, jai-alai was being played wherever Basques lived - Mexico, Cuba, the Philippines and South America.  
Early in the 20th century, at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, the sport was seen for the first time in the United States. Before World War II, jai-alai was played in Havana and such exotic places as Shanghai and Tientsin, China. Nowadays, it is a popular contemporary sport not only in Spain and France but also Italy, Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines and Macao. 
It was played in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. In the United States professional Jai-Alai started in Miami in 1926. Nowdays it is also played in Florida, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

JAI ALAI 
TAILOR-MADE FESTIVAL

Jai Alive! offers a leisure alternative during your visit to Donostia-San Sebastián.  
An event that combines fun with culture, and spectacle with public participation and interaction. 
The evening's entertainment takes place at the Frontón Karmelo Balda indoor facilities, right in the heart of the city. 
Before the exhibition match, and with the help of a specialist guide, visitors are introduced to the world and culture of Basque Pelota.

CATERING SERVICES 
CIDER HOUSE CATERING MENU

At the end of the evening, you have the chance of savouring a typical cider house menu, consisting of cod omelette, fried cod with peppers and steak, all washed down with txakoli and cider. And for dessert: cheese, nuts and quince jelly. Enjoy your meal!

You can also combine the exhibition match with other cultural acts: traditional dances that are a deeply-rooted social act in Basque culture (their presence is a sign of greeting and reverence).