Eibar, Spain – The famed Astelena frontón, often called the “Cathedral of Hand Pelota,” will not host matches during this year’s Manomanista tournament due to planned renovations. The Ayuntamiento de Eibar (Eibar City Council) has initiated a project to renew and repaint the court, as well as address ongoing issues with leaks affecting the facility. While the perform was initially slated for April and May, a start date has not yet been confirmed, leaving organizers hoping the venue will be ready for play by San Juan.
The Astelena, inaugurated in 1904, holds a significant place in the history of Basque pelota. With a capacity of 1,250 spectators, the 36-meter short frontón has hosted numerous championship matches, including nine Manomanista finals, the most recent being in 1999. The venue is considered a cornerstone of the sport’s cultural heritage in the Gipuzkoa province and beyond.
This isn’t the first time the Manomanista tournament has been forced to look elsewhere. In fact, the tournament has been held without the Astelena on three occasions this century. The 2021 edition, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw matches removed from both the Astelena and the Beotibar frontón in Tolosa as both venues were repurposed for vaccination campaigns. Prior to that, disagreements over ownership led to the Astelena being closed from March 1, 2005, to May 20, 2007. The venue reopened after the Eibar City Council acquired 60% ownership from the Gastañazatorre family for three million euros, and hosted a Manomanista semifinal between Eugi and Barriola shortly thereafter (11-22).
The absence of the Astelena is a blow to fans in Eibar, who have grown accustomed to the frontón being a regular stop on the Manomanista circuit. The venue last hosted a significant number of matches in 2007, with seven games, and as well saw five matches in 2001, 2003, 2008, 2010, and 2020. There’s a growing concern among local supporters that the number of festivals held at the Astelena is decreasing. While four matches were held during the recent Parejas tournament, the last of which took place on Reyes Day (January 6th), no matches have been scheduled since, with the exception of the final of the Parejas Circuit Emakume Master Cup on March 22nd.
The situation at the Beotibar frontón in Tolosa adds another layer of complexity to the tournament’s scheduling. The Tolosa City Council has expressed concerns about the accumulation of trash and dirt following recent festivals and is currently in negotiations with tournament organizers regarding cleanup procedures. A resolution is needed to determine if the Beotibar can host a match on May 10th, the only remaining date on the championship calendar without a confirmed venue.
The Astelena’s history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Basque pelota. Opened on June 24, 1904, with a match between “Tacolo” and “Cantabria,” the frontón quickly established itself as a premier location for the sport. The name “Astelena,” meaning “Monday” in Basque, is rooted in local tradition, as explained by Toribio Echevarría in his book, *Viaje por el País de los recuerdos*.
For fans of hand pelota, the Astelena represents more than just a venue; it’s a symbol of the sport’s rich heritage and a testament to the passion of the Basque Country. The current renovations, while disruptive in the short term, are intended to ensure the “Cathedral of Hand Pelota” remains a vibrant hub for the sport for generations to arrive.
The next update regarding the Manomanista tournament schedule and the status of the Astelena renovations is expected in the coming weeks. Fans can follow official announcements from the league and the Eibar City Council for the latest information.
