Tò Vegna (ball game) is an ancient street game still played in Farra di Mel. In past centuries, the “ball game” was used throughout Europe wherever there was a narrow alley or strait. Tò Vegna is a variant of the ball game, its documented origins date back to the 1600s. The traces are the records of disputes that ended up before judges as they were a source of disturbance to public order. Challenges were a daily occurrence, both among locals and between neighboring towns, and often the rivalry led to various brawls (namely: “a mix of knee strikes, punches, stones, and sticks”). After all, to play, you just needed a field (a strait formed by house walls), a rubber ball, some contenders, a glass of wine as a stake, and just enough local pride. However, there were no limits to fighting because each town had its own rules of the game. The memory of this game has been lost due to the evolution of customs, compounded by the difficulty of finding a suitable game ball and the increase in city traffic. All these factors gradually erased the ball game. However, it should be noted that in Farra di Mel, Tò Vegna has always been played, and the tradition has never been lost; indeed, it was a source of strength when in the 1980s, the playing field, previously formed by two rows of houses (a strait), was compromised due to the demolition of the old tavern whose walls were dangerous. After overcoming the sadness and discouragement, the most passionate players adapted the rules to continue playing even with only one side wall.

Tò Vegna is played in occasional gatherings or in tournaments organized by the CRAL Farrese throughout the year, such as on May 1st, the second Sunday of July, and a Sunday in September/October, with the most significant being undoubtedly the one in July, which awards the Palio delle Contrade.

The name Tò Vegna comes from the ritual call-and-response that precedes the ball being hit: the one who hits warns: “Tò” (take), and the one who receives if ready responds: “Vegna” (come). Those who practice Tò Vegna say that it is easier to start playing than to explain the rules. This has discouraged many in the past from putting them down in writing, especially since they have been passed down verbally from generation to generation. 

It is present at the Veronese event Tocatì and has been officially recognized since 2023 as an intangible UNESCO heritage.

Registrations are open at Bar Tucano until midnight on April 30th.