Valencian Pilota Street Finals - Diputacio d'Alacant Trophy

Picture a normal Mutxamel street roped off and turned into a court, with players in white slapping a small, very hard ball back and forth using nothing but their bare hands. That's pilota valenciana, a game that has been played around here for centuries, and in June the town hosts the league finals. The 21st sees the deciding match of the Palma league; a week earlier the Llargues final runs along the same streets.

There's no ticket and no stand to speak of. Locals line the kerbs, call the points, and groan at the close ones, while the smack of palm on ball carries down the street. It's short, it's loud, and you'll have no idea what's going on at first. Ask the person next to you. They'll happily explain.