Gioco della Palla eh! di Ciciano

Traditional tuscan game of Ciciano

It is a game played in several areas of Tuscany including Ciciano, near Chiusdino which takes its name from the scream "eh!" made by the player.

The game seems to date back to the Roman tradition, in turn borrowed from the Greeks. Early versions of the game, also called Palla Toscana, were played with bare hands but starting from 500 when began to spread even among the aristocracy was introduced the use of poles. In the area of Ciciano it seems though that the game is still practiced in its most ancient — without the use of any racquet.

It is traditionally played in the streets or squares in the country, the ball is playable if not accomplished yet two bounces on the pitch, scoring is similar to tennis and the teams are made up of a maximum of 5 players. Palla eh! is a game that combines sports and popular culture, passion and commitment to their local identity, typical a bit of the entire Tuscany region.

 

Photo Credits [losfinterio.it]