Celebrating Mexico's vibrant sports culture on Google Arts & Culture

Today we’re launching Mexican Sports: More Than a Game, a new project from Google Arts & Culture to shine a spotlight on the vibrant tapestry of Mexican sports culture. In partnership with more than 20 institutions, the project features over 100 stories and 20 YouTube Shorts to take you on a journey through time, exploring the deep roots of sports in Mexico.

In Mexico, sports aren't just a pastime — they're a reflection of the nation. From ancient ball games said to hold cosmic significance to the electrifying spectacle of Lucha Libre, each sport tells a tale of resilience, passion and a spirit that resonates far beyond the field or arena.

Here are a few highlights from Mexican Sports: More Than a Game to explore.

Sports rooted in history

The echoes of ancient traditions live on in modern sports, reminding us of the enduring power of cultural heritage and how sports can bridge the past and present. For example, the all-female Amazonas de Yaxunah are revitalizing their Mayan legacy through softball. The team plays barefoot in traditional huipils and have participated in international competitions. Communities in Jalisco foster unity through the Mesoamerican Ball Game, a sacred tradition deeply rooted in pre-Hispanic culture and believed to hold cosmic significance. And the vibrant displays of horsemanship in Charrería, Mexico's national sport, combine equestrian skills, traditional types of cattle ranching and various kinds of rodeo.

A woman on the Amazonas de Yaxuna softball team stands focused, gazing out at the field.

A member of the all-female Mayan softball team Amazonas de Yaxunah, from the collection of Secretaría de Cultura.

Baseball's festive spirit

While many associate Mexico with soccer, baseball holds a special place in the hearts of many Mexicans. The Tomateros Festival to celebrate the Tomateros baseball team in Culiacán, Sinaloa, exemplifies this. It offers a vibrant celebration with lights, fireworks and performances to mark the start of the Mexican Pacific League baseball season and showcase the passionate fan base of the Tomateros.

A packed baseball stadium illuminated by a dazzling fireworks display during the Tomateros Festival. The vibrant colors of the fireworks light up the night sky above the cheering crowd, creating a festive atmosphere.

The Tomateros Festival in Sinaloa, from the collection of Instituto Sinaloense de Cultura.

Unique sporting traditions

Mexico's vibrant and creative sporting traditions are a blend of culture and competition, attracting spectators and showcasing the country's unique heritage. Lucha Libre, a mix of sport, performance and folklore, is the most widely known example. The colorful masks and elaborate costumes worn by luchadores like Luciferno are iconic symbols of this beloved tradition.

Perhaps lesser known, but no less fun, is the annual tortilla race in Santa María Coapan, where women run while carrying up to six kilos (13 pounds) of handmade tortillas. The race celebrates the cultural significance of corn and honors the women who make tortillas.

A woman wears a colorful traditional garment as she carries a backpack full of tortillas, competing in a crowded race. She is surrounded by other women also wearing the same vibrant attire.

The Tortilla Race, from the collection of Secretaría de Cultura.

Beyond the arena

In Mexico, sports transcend the game itself, embodying the nation's spirit.
That wouldn't be possible without dedicated individuals who exemplify the values of resilience, passion and the pursuit of a more accessible and inclusive sporting world. Individuals like Enriqueta Basilio, the trailblazing first woman to light the Olympic flame in 1968; past and present women's soccer leagues defying stereotypes; and Victor Solis, the marathon runner whose love for running forged a path of healing and self-discovery amidst his battle with Lyme disease.

That’s why the project also offers a glimpse beyond the scoreboard to celebrate the unwavering dedication of Mexican athletes, their shared pursuit of a dream and their stories of overcoming challenges to make history.

A black and white photo of Enriqueta Basilio, a young woman with her hair in a ponytail, running gracefully up the stairs towards the Olympic cauldron, torch held high. She is surrounded by a vast stadium and crowd.