Bocce is a game known by different names throughout Croatia depending on the region. The terms “bućanje” and “buće” prevail in Zagora and western Herzegovina, whilst “balote” is used on Croatian islands and along the Croatian coast from Savudrija to Prevlaka, as well as amongst Croats from the Bay of Kotor and in Croatian indigenous communities in the Montenegrin coast. Regardless of the name – whether called boćanje, bućanje, balotiranje or boćarske igre – it’s the same fascinating game that unites generations.
Ancient History of Ball Games
The first known ball game dates back to the seventh millennium BC, with evidence found in the Neolithic city of Çatalhöyük in present-day Turkey. The sport is also part of ancient history stretching back to Egypt, where the first traces of bocce were found in the Nile Valley as early as 5200 BC.
There is much evidence suggesting that bocce originated in Greece, specifically the Greek polis of Sparta. The Spartan military leader Timocrates, who lived around 500 BC, is considered the inventor of bocce. Though some sources suggest that the Etruscans were already practising the game before the Spartans, around 800 BC.
The tradition of bocce then passed from the Greeks to the Romans, and Roman legions spread it throughout Europe, from the Mediterranean and Alps all the way to Gaul and Britain. It was first recorded in Rome in 264 BC, when the ancient Romans adopted it from the Etruscans and Greeks.
Modern Popularity
Today, believe it or not, bocce has become the third most popular sport in the world, right after football and golf. In the United States alone, 25 million people practise playing this game.
The bocce game spread from Italy to other parts of the world, thanks to Italian emigrants. Today we find bocce in the USA, Australia, Argentina, as well as many European countries, and it’s extremely popular amongst coastal populations.
In Australia, numerous Croatian clubs and even Catholic centres have bocce courts on their premises. Some of them are very professionally built, whilst others, although worn, still provide great pleasure and joy to all those who pick up the bocce balls. Bocce is very popular amongst Australian Croats of all generations. Bocce tournaments are organised, medals are won and championship titles are claimed. Played on outings, on grass, on sand—wherever there’s an opportunity and a set of bocce balls nearby—this game thrives. With the right company and a dash of competitive spirit, it becomes the perfect recipe for entertainment. Whether it’s a casual afternoon or a full-blown tournament, it’s always a good time to roll!
Why is Bocce Special?
This sport requires precision, tactics, and physical fitness, and specific disciplines allow for additional challenges even when basic conditions aren’t possible — a major advantage, as everything can be adapted. This game unites generations – it can be played by children, young people and the elderly, making it ideal for family gatherings and socialising.
When Croatians Play Bocce, the Neighbours Know
If you’ve ever witnessed Croatians playing bocce, you’ll quickly realise that the term “quiet concentration” simply doesn’t exist in the Croatian sporting vocabulary. What starts as a friendly game of bocce can sound like a World Cup final crossed with a fish market argument, seasoned with generous helpings of passionate Mediterranean drama.
The Decibel Levels of Croatian Bocce
Whisper Level (practically silent by Croatian standards): “Bravo, dobro!” – This is reserved for when your 87-year-old baka makes a decent throw and everyone’s trying to be polite.
Normal Conversation Level: “AJDE! AJDE! BLIŽE! BLIŽE!” – Standard encouragement that can be heard three streets away.
Excited Level: “EEEEEJ! VIDIŠ TO?! VIDIŠ TO?! KAO DA JE ROĐEN S KUGULOM U RUCI!” – When someone makes a particularly good shot, accompanied by wild gesticulating.
Peak Croatian: “BOŽE Moj! NIJE MOGUĆE! ČUDO! ČUDO!” – When the impossible happens and the ball curves around three other balls to kiss the pallino perfectly.
The Supporting Cast
The Advisor: Always standing behind the player, offering “helpful” guidance:
- “Ne, ne, ne! Malo lijevo!” (No, no, no! A bit to the left!)
- “Sporije! Sporije!” (Slower! Slower!)
- “Jače! Ne, ne, manje jače!” (Harder! No, no, not so hard!)
- “Kao da baciš jaje!” (As if you’re throwing an egg!)
The Commentator: Provides live commentary as if broadcasting to the entire neighbourhood:
- “Vidite kako drži kuglu! Profesionalac!” (Look at how he’s holding the ball! A real pro!)
- “Ovo je bacanje za medalju!”(This throw is worthy of a medal!)
The Pessimist: Always predicts disaster:
- “Sada će sve pokvariti…” (Now he’s going to mess it all up…)
- “Previše je to daleko…” (That’s way too far…)
- “Ja bi odustao…” (I would give up…=
Classic Croatian Bocce Cheers
When your team scores:
- “BRAVO! BRAVO! Tako se to radi!” (BRAVO! BRAVO! That’s how it’s done!)
- “Vidite kako Hrvati igraju!” (Vidite kako Hrvati igraju!)
- “Zlato vrijedi ovaj čovijek!” (This man is worth his weight in gold!)
When the opposing team scores:
- “Sreća! Čista sreća!” (Luck! Pure luck!)
- “Čekaj, čekaj, još nije gotovo!” (Wait, wait, it’s not over yet!)
When someone makes a terrible throw:
- “Sine, jesi li ikad držao kuglu u ruci?” (Son, have you ever even held a ball in your life?)
- “Možda bi trebao igrati kuglanje…” (Maybe you should try bowling instead…)
The Grand Finale
Win or lose, every Croatian bocce game ends the same way: with loud discussions about who played better, whose fault it was, and immediate planning for the rematch. The cheering might stop, but the passionate debate? That continues over coffee, rakija, and well into the next family gathering.
Because in Croatian bocce, the game might last an hour, but the emotional investment lasts a lifetime.
Warning: If you’re planning to play bocce with Croatians, inform your neighbours in advance. They’ll thank you for the heads-up.
(Collected Facebook photographs from Croatian societies, clubs and organisations in Australia)
