O L H A R R O A

Basque ball games in Guéthary

HISTORY
The Olharroa's (octopus in Basque language) club birthed in 1925, is one of the eldest Pelote clubs of the French Federation of Pelote Basque (F.F.P.B.).

The pelote basque (generic term) is the ball which is used in all basque ball games. But you'll find many different specialities of pelote basque. The most famous and spectacular one is the chistera (wooden glove on the photo).

The pelote basque can be played on a "fronton" (outdoor typical wall) or in a "trinquet" (indoor). Both are in Guethary. The most important cities of the basque country also have an huge indoor place named "Jai-alai"

Many famous "pelotari" have played the Chistera in the Olharroa's pelote club like the most famous one : Albert HARISPE.

Olharroa won many different championships with its fantastic players.

Here's the last world champion of Guethary (gold medal of the world championship 2002 in Pamplona)

Joueur de Chistera grand gant

Pelote basque : technique et concentration
DEMONSTRATIONS FOR GROUPS

Olharroa could also organize shows for groups.

LEXICON

Pelote basque : generic term for basque ball games (pelote=ball)
Chistera, Cesta punta : pelote basque's discipline using a wicker glove and an hard ball, practiced on a Fronton (outdoor) or in a Jaï Alaï (indoor).
Paleta, pala : other discipline using a wooden racket and a gum ball played on a Fronton or in a Trinquet (indoor, smaller than the Jaï Alaï).

Partie de Chistera à Guéthary
Guéthary's Fronton


Fête de la Pelote
Chistera's party
THE SUMMER EVENTS
  • CHISTERA's MATCHES

Every wednesday at 9.00 PM on the Guethary's Fronton.

Chistera de nuit -Mairie de Guéthary-

  • OLHARROA's OPEN

Every wednesday from the middle of july till the beginning of august. The Final you mustn't miss will be played at the end of august at 9.00 PM (cf. program)

Price : 7 € for a 2 hours show 
(Free for children less than 12 years old).
Prices for groups.

Force basque
Aizkolari 
Force basque
Soca tira
  • BASQUE STRENGTH' SHOWS

    • Two galas are organized during the summer. They will take place on the Fronton at 9.30 PM

    PROGRAM     : Stone hold up, woodcutters, rope pulling...

    • THE CHISTERA's PARTY (end of August)
      (cf. Program)

    Saturday :
    Semi-finals of the veterans tournament (chistera) at 5.00 PM.
    Traditional Meal at 9.00 PM with basque singers ARRANTZALEAK. 

    Sunday :
    Traditional fair, handcrafts
    Finals of the chistera school
    Finals of veterans tournament (chistera)

    • VETERANS TOURNAMENT

    Matchs played in the end of the afternoon when the weather is good, the week before the aforesaid "chistera's party" .
    Pelota game course
    Philippe ETCHEVERRY, physical instructor, offers you to do a Basque pelota game course. A discovery,a real pleasure, a real sport.
    Tel.: 09 64 22 88 53- Port 06 80 38 96 40
    email : phiphi40@wanadoo.fr
    www.initiation-pelote.com