Los Juegos de Pelota: Mesoamerican Ball Games from past to present

Los Juegos de Pelota: Mesoamerican Ball Games from past to present is a multi‑part cycle presented by the Mexican Cultural Institute that traces the history of the Mesoamerican ballgame from its ancient ritual origins to its living legacy, all set against the backdrop of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The program brings together a lecture, an exhibition, and a film screening, each exploring different facets of the game’s cultural and spiritual significance. The cycle officially opens with a talk at the Institute on June 23 and continues with an exhibition of photography and game-related objects on view from June 18 through August 1, followed by a documentary screening and conversation at Dupont Underground on July 1.

When: The cycle runs from Tuesday, June 23, 2026, through Saturday, August 8, 2026. The individual components have their own dates: the talk takes place on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 PM; the exhibition is on view from Monday, June 18, through Saturday, August 1; and the film screening is on Wednesday, July 1, at 6:30 PM.

Showtimes: The talk and the film screening both begin at 6:30 PM. The exhibition can be visited during the Institute’s regular hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Tickets: Price information is not currently available. The event may require advance registration; no further ticketing details are provided in the source.

Lineup: The talk on June 23 features Ana Claudia Collado, who will discuss the preservation and promotion of Mexico’s traditional and autochthonous games and sports, exploring their history, cultural importance, and living legacy. The film screening on July 1 features the documentary *Ulama* (1986) directed by Roberto Rochín, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker about the history and contemporary legacy of the ancestral ballgame.

Run time: Run times for the talk and film screening are not specified in the source.

Ages: No age restrictions are mentioned.

Venue: The talk and exhibition take place at the Mexican Cultural Institute, located at 2829 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. The film screening is held at Dupont Underground, a separate venue.

Note: The exhibition, titled *Canchas Sagradas | Sacred Fields*, features photography and original game-related pieces that examine the history, symbolism, and cultural legacy of the Juego de Pelota. The film *Ulama* explores one of Mexico’s oldest living traditions and the communities working to keep it alive. Attendees should note that the film screening occurs at Dupont Underground rather than at the Mexican Cultural Institute.