The history of Pilota Valenciana has been the central theme of the Assembly
Montserrat hosted from 24 to 26 October 2025 the 21st Assembly about the History of the Ribera. This edition was held under the title 'Games, sports and leisure in the Ribera from a historical perspective '. The event took place at the Casa de la Cultura and highlighted the importance of Pilota Valenciana, acknowledging it as a fundamental element in the region's cultural and sportive heritage.
Victor Agulló, co-director of the XAIPV of the Chair of Pilota gave the opening conference.
The Assembly made a series of activities and lectures that showed the historic and social trajectory of Pilota. The opening conference of the Congress was held by Dr. Víctor Agulló Calatayud, specialist in History and Sociology of the sport in which he focused its intervention on: 'The game of pilota valenciana in la Ribera del Júcar with a historical perspective ' Victor Agulló, professor in the Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences of the Universitat de València and co-director of the Research Academic Network in Pilota Valenciana and other games regarding pilota in hand (XAIPV) of the Chair of Pilota, described the evolution of the game in the Ribera, a historically vital region for pilota, highlighting emblematic figures such as El Niño de Sueca, Eusebio de Riola, Juliet de Alginet or Àlvarez de Carcaixent, among others. He also analysed the sociocultural impact of pilota and how it affected and affects leisure time, social relationships and even urbanism or toponymy at municipalities in the Ribera.
Statements by Víctor Agulló
Dr. Víctor Agulló Calatayud, who was the head of protocol, studies and documentation in the Federation of Pilota Valenciana between 2006 and 2013, wanted to put into value historical research regarding this sport:
Pilota Valenciana is more than a sport: it is a social, historical and cultural phenomenon that has shaped a great part of the identity of the Ribera del Júcar. The history of our cultural manifestation, specially in the game of Pilota, allows us to understand not only how we played and had fun, but how we lived and how we socialised. This Assembly is a great opportunity to the academic world regarding the history of the Ribera, in order to explore this rich legacy, from the beginning to its nowadays evolution.
Other activities of interest regarding Pilota
The Assembly, with vast attendance, projected successfully the documentary 'Pilotàries', by Paqui Méndez with the participation of Blanca Bosch, pilota player from Montserrat. Moreover, in monographic lectures were presented research papers about pilota, such as: Pilota in the villa a contribution of Alzira during the 16th century, by Andrés Fraile Tudela and Vicent M. Garés Timor and Paco 'Gabriel': legendary pilota player from Alfarb, by Vicente Sanz Viñuelas. Furthermore, as parallel activity, from 3 to 29 October, the Casa de la Cultura hosted a photographic exhibition 'Rovellet', from the Pilota Museum of Genovés by David Sarasol. This exhibition shows and highlights the professional trajectory of Antonio Reig Ventura.
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