COSE E LUOGHI DA VEDERE - Comune di Dolcedo

58
THE”BALUN”
The “Balun” mirrors with no doubts the agricultural culture of this Italian
piece of land, reflecting a world which is still far from being overwhelmed
by a society in standing evolution. If we think to the courts where this
sport is played, we are necessarily led to call to our minds the ancient
squares and streets of the villages located in the area, characterised by
the shortage of free spaces. Also the duration of each game, not
predetermined, is sign of a still society, where the clock is nearly
motionless and every change is turned into a ritual, in something solemn.
This sport also reflects
the change of
the seasons, so important
for an agricultural
society, being
played only when the
good weather starts.
Even today, watching
a game, you can feel
on the tribunes a
strange feeling made
of nostalgia mixed to
embarrassment.
Standardisation needs,
which have imposed
on this sport
rules common to
other sports, are
dangerously jeopardising
a phenomenon
which is the expression
of an archaic
culture and mentality
hardly integrable with the modernity. It may sound anachronistic, but
the “Balun” still reflects the conflict between the present and a past
deeply rooted in the culture of this area.
SPORT E TEMPO LIBERO
SPORTS AND LEASURES 6