When a Book Brings People Together: The Story Behind Juego de Pelota

Some of the most meaningful moments behind Juego de Pelota: Descubre sus secretos con La Catrina Bohemia began with a simple conversation.

While researching the book, author and illustrator Laura Elena discovered an interview with Dany Metzcoatl, an Ulama player and active promoter of traditions, on the Art Mexica channel. Looking for first-hand knowledge of one of Mexico’s oldest living traditions, Laura reached out to him with questions about the game. Dany generously shared his knowledge and reference materials, helping enrich the research behind the book. He became the first person Laura contacted during her research. His openness, generosity, and willingness to answer questions, share photographs, and explain the game from a player’s perspective gave her the confidence to connect with more athletes, researchers, and cultural organizations. Those conversations became an essential part of the research behind Juego de Pelota, ensuring the book was enriched by the voices of people who continue to keep these traditions alive.

During Laura’s visit to Mexico, she suggested meeting in person. Dany agreed, mentioning that a few friends involved in cultural media would join them. The meeting, held at the Monumento a la Revolución, turned into an unexpected opportunity to meet Adrián Koskakoatl, filmmaker, author, and founder of Art Mexica, a platform dedicated to sharing Mexico’s ancestral heritage through books, independent film, educational content, and digital storytelling.

The encounter quickly evolved into a creative collaboration. Together, they recorded one video introducing the book Juego de Pelota and another featuring Dany, who shared Ulama from the perspective of someone who actively preserves this living tradition. The videos were directed by Adrián, whose thoughtful storytelling and cinematic vision brought the project to life in a meaningful and authentic way.

Dany’s work extends far beyond the playing field. In addition to practicing Ulama, he is deeply committed to cultural education, offering lectures and workshops while regularly visiting schools to introduce children to the history, values, and traditions of this ancestral sport. His dedication reflects the importance of passing this knowledge on to future generations.

At Editorial Parangueo, we are grateful for collaborations like these. They remind us that preserving cultural heritage is a shared effort, bringing together authors, educators, cultural communicators, and tradition bearers with a common purpose: ensuring that Mexico’s living traditions continue to inspire new generations.

Juego de Pelota is not only the story of an ancient game—it is also the story of the people who continue to keep that legacy alive.