The Michel-Ugheto pediment will vibrate, Saturday from 9 p.m., to the rhythm of a meeting like no other: Guéthary and Bidart, two neighboring and eternal Basque villages, will compete for the national title of Grand Chistera, a queen discipline of the Basque ball. A rare spectacle to savor on the French Riviera.
“These are enemies in the good sense of the word. Everyone wants to be the best in France, and they will not let go of a point”warns Ronald Gamet, president of Cannes Pelote Basque.
This final therefore promises an intense duel, punctuated by spectacular exchanges …
Three players per camp, first at 40 winning points, no possibility of replacement in the event of an injury: the pressure will be maximum. And with balls up to 300km/h, the public should take full eyes.
Cannes, land of pelota
If this final is played so far from the Atlantic, it is because Cannes is one of the few places in France to have the infrastructures adapted to the Grand Chistera. The Michel-Ugheto pediment, located on avenue André-Capron, responds to the imposing dimensions of the discipline and offers a framework appreciated by players and spectators.
The French Basque Pelota Federation chose Cannes “For its facilities and for the atmosphere”underlines the president. In the stands, 250 places are available, while the adjoining restaurant – full for the occasion with 170 covers – contributes to the joyful atmosphere of summer evenings. “We expect as much Cannois as from tourists and passionate Basque pelota.”
A tradition since the 1950s
The history of the Basque pelota in Cannes is not new: in the 1950s, the Basque Michel Ugheto founded the local club. The pediment that bears his name is erected in 1957. Very quickly, the Grand Chistera established himself as the specialty of the house, to the point of hoisting Cannes several times at a high level of the discipline.
Today, the club still has five to six players capable of competing in the league. But the short competition season-from mid-June to mid-September-limits its performance against the Basque teams, who play all year round.
Demanding and spectacular
The Grand Chistera is renowned for its technical difficulty and intensity. “It takes five years of training to reach a good level”explains Ronald Gamet. This is why the club is struggling to recruit young local players. The initiations exist, but mainly take place at La Paleta, more accessible.
On the ground, the discipline impresses: a long curved wicker glove, precise and powerful gestures, dazzling trajectories. “It’s elegant, powerful, and the public loves it!”