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· fashion
The Ball Game of Identity: Ulama’s Bittersweet Revival
In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico is shining a spotlight on one of its most ancient and revered traditions: ulama. This team sport, played with a heavy rubber ball that dates back over 3,400 years to pre-Hispanic culture, has been revived in recent years.
Ulama’s survival is a testament to the resilience of indigenous cultures in Mexico. Despite being banned by Spanish conquistadors and largely erased from public consciousness, the game continued to thrive in remote pockets of northwestern Mexico. Today, authorities are promoting ulama as part of international soccer events, but this effort has raised questions about cultural appropriation and the exploitation of traditional practices for tourist entertainment.
The Osuna family’s dedication to preserving ulama is a heartening example of community-led conservation. María Herrera, Aurelio’s widow, teaches their grandchildren the intricacies of the game, including its complex scoring system and rules that emphasize strategy over brute force. Her son Luis, a skilled player in his own right, guides his children through the game’s demands while participating in tournaments and exhibitions.
Some players are skeptical about the revival, however. Ángel Ortega, a 21-year-old ulama player from Mexico City, laments the emphasis on spectacle over substance: “We’re not circus monkeys.” Researcher Emilie Carreón warns against projecting an “exotic” image that undermines the tradition’s cultural significance, noting that “we must rid the game of the notion that it is a living fossil.”
The intersection of tourism and cultural preservation is complex when it comes to ulama’s revival. While exhibitions and ad campaigns featuring the game may attract attention and resources, they also risk commodifying a tradition deeply tied to Mexico’s identity. This raises questions about external agents promoting cultural heritage and local communities deciding how their traditions are represented.
As ulama players take the field alongside international soccer stars, it’s essential to remember that this ancient sport is not just a relic of the past but a living part of Mexico’s present. Its revival serves as a reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its people’s capacity for resilience and creativity in adversity.
The World Cup will be an opportunity to see how ulama continues to evolve and adapt under external pressures. Will this renewed interest translate into tangible benefits for local communities, or will it serve solely as a tourist attraction? The ball game of ulama may be an ancient tradition, but its relevance to contemporary Mexico is undeniable.
Reader Views
- NBNina B. · stylist
The ulama revival is a double-edged sword. While it's great that authorities are promoting this ancient tradition, we need to be mindful of the power dynamics at play. By packaging ulama as tourist entertainment, are we commodifying a cultural practice that belongs to Mexico's indigenous communities? The article highlights the importance of community-led conservation, but what about the economic benefits and potential gentrification of traditional spaces? We should be cautious not to romanticize ulama without acknowledging its complex history and the people who made it survive against all odds.
- THTheo H. · menswear writer
What's being lost in the euphoria of ulama's revival is the nuances of its traditional attire - the intricate designs and patterns that reflect the game's pre-Hispanic heritage. While efforts to popularize the sport are commendable, let's not forget the importance of authentic cultural representation. The Osuna family's dedication to preserving the game is admirable, but what about the artisans who created the traditional ulama balls and uniforms? Their craft deserves recognition alongside the revival's spotlight on the sport itself.
- TCThe Closet Desk · editorial
The ulama revival highlights a tricky dynamic: how to balance tourism and cultural preservation without co-opting traditional practices for commercial gain. One often-overlooked aspect is the economic incentives that can come with promoting indigenous sports like ulama – potentially generating income for local communities and supporting grassroots development initiatives. However, this influx of revenue may also lead to over-commercialization and exploitation of cultural heritage sites, undermining the very traditions they aim to celebrate.