Where Did Jai-alai Originate?

By Jai-Alai Extra

Jai-alai, which means “Merry Festival” in the Basque Language, originated over 300 years ago in the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains in northern Spain.  Jai-alai origin stems from the games of Pelota Vasca (Basque Ball) which were introduced as a part of local festivals.  The partidos were played outdoors using the church walls.  The game eventually made its way to Cuba in 1898. 

Jai-Alai was successfully introduced as a professional sport in the United States at the Miami Fronton in 1926, located near Miami International Airport.  Miami Jai-alai remains the largest and oldest fronton in the Western Hemisphere.  In the United States the game is played in the quiniela format with 8 teams competing for a total of 7 or 9 points.  

Gambling on the game came about in 1934 when restrictions on gambling were lifted.  It is a major part of the operation and provides the financing to keep the remaining frontons open.

Where Is Jai-alai Played Today?

Jai-alai in Spain is known as Cesta Punta (Pointed Basket) and is still played in the Basque region today.  Partidos are usually played to a total of 20 to 30 points by two teams.  Summer partidos are very popular.  It is an opportunity for the best players to showcase their talent.  Partidos bring together the top players in the Basque region as well as the top players from the United States.

Many frontons have opened and closed in the United States and at this time there are only six active frontons remaining, all of which are located in the state of Florida.  Jai-alai locations in Florida include:  Miami Jai-alai, Dania Jai-alai, Hamilton Downs Jai-alai, Ft. Pierce Jai-alai, Orlando Jai-alai and Ocala Jai-alai.  It has been reported that Big Bend Jai-alai, located in Quincy Florida, is set to reopen later this year in September of 2008.  Big Bend or Quincy Jai-alai was open from 1978 to 1990.

Miami Jai alai, Dania Jai alai and Hamilton Jai alai operate live jai alai year round.  Fort Pierce Jai alai, Orlando Jai alai and Ocala Jai alai operate seasonally. 

Jai-alai also continues to be played in other parts of the world but it is most popular in the Basque Country and the United States.  You can still find jai alai in Mexico and Cuba too.