The city of Pamplona, alongside the Navarre Federation of Pelota Vasca, has paid tribute to local pelotari Juan Moya Bernedo, who is credited with inventing the remonte over a century ago. The homage took place during the International Pelota Vasca Congress held at the frontón Labrit, celebrating one of the sport's historical figures.
Maider Beloki Unzu, the city councillor for Culture, Festivals and Sport, and Mikel Armendáriz Barnechea, the councillor for Economic Promotion, European Projection and Innovation, presented a txapela, a traditional Basque beret, and a bouquet of flowers to Moya's granddaughter, Pili Moya, along with three of his great-grandchildren: Rafael Moya, Paloma Sánchez Moya, and Javier Moya, who expressed gratitude to the audience.
During the ceremony, a commemorative video was shown, and the family was honoured with a procession featuring remonte baskets. The event also saw attendance from municipal corporation members and participants and speakers of the congress.
Juan Moya Bernedo (1879-1950), known as Moyica, was born on Tejería street and introduced the remonte baskets to the public in Pamplona around 1903. Nicknamed Juanito due to his short stature, he sought to compete against stronger opponents in the glove modality at the now-defunct frontón known as Juego Nuevo, located between the Paseo de Sarasate and Calle San Ignacio. The smaller, less curved remonte baskets were crafted by the basket maker Aguirre from Tolosa.
In May 2023, Pamplona dedicated a promenade surrounding the rear of the frontón Labrit to Juan Moya Bernedo, which connects to the frontón Jito Alai and leads to the intersection of Emilio Arrieta and Aralar streets via a pedestrian bridge. Plans are underway to construct a future Centre for the Interpretation of Pelota Vasca along this promenade.
The congress marks the culmination of an autumn in which Pamplona continues to advance its status as the World Capital of Pelota Vasca. Since October, the frontón Labrit has hosted remonte festivals every Thursday, combining sport, gastronomy, and exhibitions of other pelota modalities. These festivals will resume on 19 November after a break for the international congress.
The city is also engaged in the gastronomic pincho competition “Pelota en mano / pilota zure esku,” featuring 23 establishments presenting their pelota-inspired creations. These pinchos can be sampled in various bars across the city until 15 November.
Recently, Pamplona has welcomed tourism agents and travel journalists from Madrid, Barcelona, and France, who have explored the city's pelota vasca tourism offerings. This initiative includes historical tours about pelota in Pamplona and the connections between artist Jorge Oteiza and the sport, among other activities.
