The Álava Inter-Village Pelota Tournament reaches its 56th edition this year, firmly established as one of the most traditional and representative events in Álava sports. This competition, which originated in the mid-1970s, eventually became a model that spread to other territories and is now celebrating a new edition.

The competition, which is already underway, will extend until the Araba Euskaraz weekend, scheduled in Amurrio, where the championship final will also take place.

In the hand pelota modality, eight towns will participate in the championship, presenting pelotaris in three categories of hand pairs: cadet, youth, and senior. The winner of each elimination round will be the team that achieves the most victories across all three categories.

Agurain, the reigning champion, will defend the title won in 2025 after defeating Aramaio in the final. This edition will see them face several high-level contenders: Amurrio, always a candidate and one of the favorites; Gasteiz, with several of the territory's most prominent pelotaris; as well as Laudio, Laguardia, Araia, Argantzon, and Legutio.

In addition to the hand pelota modality, the Inter-Village Tournament will also feature competitions in rubber paddle, wooden paddle, and leather pelota, with participation from various towns in Álava. In rubber paddle, there will be female representation from Gasteiz, Urkabuztaitz, and Peñacerrada, as well as youth, mixed senior, and senior wooden paddle categories. In leather pelota, teams from Gopegi, Amurrio, Artziniega, Castillo, Gasteiz, Tuyo, and Bernedo, among others, will compete.

Regarding the favorites, Agurain will try to defend the txapela won last year, while Amurrio, always a candidate, and Gasteiz, with several of the territory's most prominent pelotaris, emerge as strong contenders. Laudio, Laguardia, Araia, Argantzon, and Legutio will also seek to put up a fight.