Discover the Croatian beach game of Picigin
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
If you’re a new visitor to the beaches of Croatia, you may have noticed something curious: groups of people jumping, diving and keeping a small ball up in the shallow water. What you’ve witnessed is the traditional Croatian beach game of Picigin.
Picigin was invented over 110 years ago by a group of Croatian students who found it difficult to play water polo in the shallow waters of Bačvice beach in Split.
The game involves players trying to keep a small ball from touching the water, using only the palm of their hand. It has since gained popularity in Split and other parts of the Croatian coast.
The game has no official winner or loser and is often viewed as an opportunity for people to have fun and show off their skills with acrobatic dives to keep the ball in the air. The Picigin World Championship, held annually in Split at Bačvice beach, is judged on flair and acrobatics.
The word Picigin comes from a slang word meaning fun – ‘Picigare’. The game can be played by two or more players, with the objective being to keep the small ball, often a peeled tennis ball, from touching the water for as long as possible.
In recognition of its cultural significance, the Croatian Ministry of Culture inscribed Picigin on the list of intangible cultural heritage of Croatia over a decade ago.
The game’s spiritual home is still considered to be Bačvice beach in Split, where players often sport tight speedos.
So, next time you’re visiting the beaches of Croatia, join in the fun and try your hand at Picigin. Who knows, you may even impress the locals with your acrobatic skills.
