Balle pelote, a traditional ball game, has now been registered as part of the intangible oral heritage of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Minister for Francophone Culture Bénédicte Linard announced on Monday.
Traced back to the Middle Ages, balle pelote originates from open-air games called "jeux de paume". The sport is derived from "longue paume", which was more popular than its indoor counterpart, "courte paume".
Towards the end of the 19th century, rules were standardised, federations established and competitions organised, leading to "balle pelote" becoming an official sport. From the late 19th century to the eve of the Second World War it was the top ball game in Brussels and Wallonia, played in courts called "bullodromes" – usually located in the centre of localities, close to one or multiple cafes, and often in front of the local church.
Due to increased car usage and the need for parking spaces, the bullodromes were gradually abandoned. Despite a gradual decline towards the end of the 20th century, "balle pelote" is still played today.
Various preservation measures are being implemented and planned to counter its decline, such as raising awareness in schools, communication initiatives and organising competitions in high-visibility public locations.
