Uncover the Ancient Ball Game Legacy at Xcaret’s “Holders of Traditions” Series

On October 17th, International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Grupo Xcaret released the fourth episode of their series, "Holders of Traditions". This day was established during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2023 to emphasize the importance of cultural heritage and celebrate cultural diversity. As part of the 2024 celebrations, countries and interested parties are encouraged to organize events that highlight the richness of their living heritage and the importance of its preservation.

The fourth episode of the "Holders of Traditions" series explores the cultural and pre-Hispanic significance of the Ball Game, a tradition that is barely surviving in certain regions of Mexico, such as Sinaloa. The game has evolved into a form known as Ulama. According to the Cultural Information System of Mexico, "Ulama is a traditional game of pre-Hispanic origin that in Sinaloa is a continuation of the Mesoamerican ritual of the Ball Game."

In Sinaloa, Ulama has been so influential that it was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State in 2010. However, the Sinaloa Institute of Culture has noted a significant decline in the practice since the 1960s, with a rapid decrease at the start of this century.

Recognizing the cultural importance of this tradition, Grupo Xcaret has taken steps to support its preservation. In 1998, the company built the first functional Tlaxco or Tlachco court in contemporary Mexico, signaling their commitment to preserving ancient rituals. This effort has included gathering a group of individuals who are heirs to these local traditions.

Over the years, the court has been updated and expanded due to the interest from both national and international audiences in this pre-Hispanic representation. The "Holders of Traditions" series was launched to highlight the work of those at Xcaret who are dedicated to preserving Mexico's cultural heritage. The fourth episode is dedicated to the Ulama team from Sinaloa, who keep the pre-Hispanic legacy alive through their spectacular representation of the sport.

At Xcaret, Ulama is seen as more than just a sport – it's a cultural heritage kept alive by the dedication and passion of its players. In the Riviera Maya, the ball continues to roll, celebrating and sharing Mexican traditions with the world, and ensuring future generations continue to value and practice this ancient game.

The "Holders of Traditions" series can be viewed on Grupo Xcaret's YouTube channel.