This is a current awareness blog that links to the latest sources of information on Basque Pelota matches and Tournaments. It covers all of both North and South Basque modalities: Pro and amateur. It links to match stories, statistics and video highlights and/or full match videos. NEW!!! JAI ALAI LEAGUE (EREMAN!) SEASON INTRO AND JAI ALAI WOMEN'S WINTER TOUR 2024 (2/22/24)!!!

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Jai Alai/Cesta Punta comings and goings--Jai Alai Blues Documentary and intervew with Miami's "Duke"

1. Jai Alai Blues (2016, 1 hour, 40 minutes, 22 seconds, Castilian, Basque, and English with Castilian subtitles). Originally broadcast on EITB in early November, 2016, it is available at present via EITB on demand.

Produced by Berde Produkzioak in 2016, "the documentary reviews the history of  Jai Alai/Cesta Punta and its success in countries like China, Cuba, or the United States. There the pelotaris were considered artists and the media covered the activity of the frontons. But success did not last forever." (EITB). The recent history of the sport in the US is extensively covered in the last half of the film (much of which is in English). Even if you don't understand the language or subtitles, the film is well worth watching for the documentary images of Jai Alai/Cesta Punta history.

2. Jai Alai News Facebook page interview with Miami Jai Alai's "Duke." The Jai Alai News Facebook page features an interesting interview with Jonatan Hernandez, "Duke" at Miami Jai Alai. The interview is in Castilian. Auto translation may be available at the site. If not, Google Translate will give you the basics. In it he discusses his recovery from a recent auto accident, changes at Miami Jai Alai with the departure of Goikoetxea and Lopez, and the signing of new players. The interview also touches on other topics such as Quinela v Partido and playing in the US v playing in the Basque Country.