I just got back from Florida for a work trip. One night we went to a sushi place (though I’m not a fan of sushi) and, to my surprise, one of the beers on the menu was called “Jai Alai IPA“, brewed by Cigar City Brewing of Tampa. It was a good beer, not disappointing to this fan of IPAs. The back label states:
Jai Alai, the “merry game,” is a game native to the Basque region of Spain. Tampa was once home to this high speed game, but sadly all that remains here is this India Pale Ale that we brewed in tribute to the merry game. Pair Jai Alai India Pale Ale with Empanadas, Deviled Crabs and other spicy dishes.
Just thought I’d share a pretty neat chance encounter with Basque culture.
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JAI ALI IS TRANSLATED MERRY FIESTA/CELEBRATION, NOT ABOUT ANY GAME.
Jai Alai means happy celebration, happy fiesta, but I´m sure the name of that beer comes from the game of Cesta Punta or Jai Alai and not from the significance, meaning, of the name Jai Alai, specifically if the brewery is located in Tampa.
Actually, you would be wrong. Jai Alai is a game. You’ve just never heard of it. Look it up.
Translation can be a false friend. The game is followed or is part of a fiesta. Monique