It is believed that picigin originated in 1908 when students from Split, returning from their studies in Prague, brought back an unusual game called water polo. However, due to the shallow waters of Bačvice Beach, they were unable to play water polo as intended. Their failed attempts to adapt the game in the shallows eventually evolved into what is now known as picigin
It's time to learn how to play “picigin, Split-style.” The easiest way to describe it is as a form of beach volleyball played in shallow water—but without a net, without points, and with a whole lot of style. However, true Splićani (locals of Split) will tell you that picigin is not just a game, but a way of life - a mix of volleyball, tennis, acrobatics, and, of course, plenty of sunshine.
Although there are no strict rules about the number of players, the ideal picigin match is played with five players using a small ball, typically an old, worn-out tennis ball. The main goal is simple but challenging—to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible, preventing it from touching the sea.
If you ever find yourself watching experienced picigin players, you’ll quickly realize that it’s much more than just hitting a ball—it’s a perfectly synchronized ballet on water. With acrobatic dives, elegant movements, and seamless teamwork, these athletes turn the game into a spectacle.
Bačvice Beach has become the spiritual home of picigin, and for good reason. The soft, sandy seabed is ideal for diving, as it allows players to fall into the water without risking injury—an important factor in a game played in ankle-to-knee-deep water.
But Bačvice is more than just a great playing field. In Split, people jokingly call it the “center of the world” because it is surrounded by lively bars, restaurants, and beachgoers. Skilled picigin players don’t just play for fun—they play for the audience, especially when trying to impress women watching from the shore.
Due to its deep cultural roots, the Croatian Ministry of Culture has officially recognized picigin as intangible cultural heritage. Each year, Bačvice hosts the unofficial World Picigin Championship, where players showcase their best moves.
One of the most famous traditions is the New Year’s Picigin, where brave enthusiasts jump into the cold sea on January 1st to start the year with a splash—literally. Whether in the summer heat or the winter chill, picigin remains a symbol of Split, its people, and their love for the sea.
