In a 20-million strong megalopolis where residents are passionate about their food and culture, sports also earn a soft spot in the hearts of most Chilangos or Mexico City residents. And it's not all soccer. Adventurous travelers can enjoy the richness of its diverse sporting events by veering off Mexico City's beaten path and into a unique sports haven.
The special cultural aspect that comes from being among the cheering crowds, the traditional elements in each craft, and the fanfare intertwined with each event, make checking out the city's sport scene not just for the sports fan. Any traveler hoping to soak up the local ambiance will not be disappointed.
Lucha Libre Wrestling
Mexican wrestling has everything: drama, thrilling acrobatics, extravagant outfits, good guys vs. bad guys, pinning, head butting, and body slamming. And, of course, there's a wrestler's worst nightmare – when an opponent tears off his mask and shames him in front of his fans.
Most visitors choose to watch Lucha Libre matches at big arenas. But for a more close-up and unique experience, head to smaller gyms across the city, such as the Emiliano Zapata Gym in southwestern Mexico City.
For a cheaper price, you can hang out with neighborhood locals, who are there to root on their favorites, not to snap photos. For some families, it's a weekend tradition to head out on a Sunday afternoon and pack the folding chairs of this no-frills gym.
Visitors who venture off the beaten path for Lucha Libre will be rewarded with great intimate views (watch out for the wrestlers who jump off the ring and into the audience) and a better sense of why this sport is such a big part of Mexico City culture. The closest Metro stop is Barranca del Muerto; from there take a taxi.
Bullfighters in Mexico City's Viveros Park
Visitors should not be surprised to hear an occasional "¡Olé!" echo through the lush Viveros de Coyoácan park, located in the must-see southern neighborhood of Coyoácan at the Viveros Metro station. Amateur and professional bullfighters gather from all over Latin America to practice in the park's dusty bullring. It has become a bullfighter school of sorts, a place where professionals go to polish their skills while rookies learn the craft and connect with mentors.
Every morning visitors sit in the nearby beaches for free and learn what goes on behind the scenes. Many of the regulars who practice at Viveros can be seen at Plaza de Toros Mexico, the world's largest bullring – a facility that seats 55,000 and is dedicated to the art of bullfighting.
Bullfighters have been sharpening their skills at the Viveros bullring for about 50 years. No real bulls are used during the practice, but visitors will hear grunts and growls from bullfighters pretending to be bulls to help their colleagues practice.
Baseball: Mexico City-style
Forget the boring hot dogs served in baseball stadiums across the United States. At Mexico City's Foro Sol, the stadium where the local team Diablos Rojos or Red Devils play, fans can try all kinds of local treats. Try the cochinita pibil or slow-roasted pork tacos or fried crispy potato slices topped with hot sauce.
Tickets prices are incredibly cheap. For just over US $5 you can sit right behind home plate. The Mexican league features many past and future Major Leaguers, and the season stretches from March to September. The 16-team league plays a pretty high level of baseball – probably the equivalent of Triple A in the United States.
In Mexican baseball, teams have cheerleaders, unlike in American baseball. So just sit back with the roudy fans, relax, and enjoy the teams play ball – Mexico City-style.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
