Bastone pugliese

In Manfredonia, in the province of Foggia, amidst the Apulian olive groves, shooting with sticks was born: an ancient defence technique based on respect for the opponent, now a recreational practice. Before starting the ‘Tirata’, the game is accompanied by a ritual involving
an invitation, a request for a pass. The player asks: “È Liber maestr?” (‘Is the master free?’) and, in order to continue the game, waits for the answer: “Liber e franc…grazie tant.”
(‘Free and ready, many thanks’). A ceremony that tests the importance of loyalty in combat.