MesoBall of the Spirits
Describe a popular sport in your world
MesoBall of the Spirits
Setting:
The ballcourt resembles a massive ofrenda (altar) with multi-tiered levels, each decked out with marigolds (cempasúchil), candles, sugar skulls, and framed photos of departed loved ones. The court is surrounded by papel picado banners in deep purples, oranges, and blacks, fluttering in the ghostly breeze.
Equipment:
The ball remains a glowing orb, but now it's surrounded by a halo of marigold petals that trail behind it.
Players wear traditional Day of the Dead face paint, with calavera (skull) designs and elaborate costumes inspired by La Catrina, the iconic skeleton figure.
Gameplay:
Players aim to get the glowing marigold orb through the mouth of intricately designed stone skulls.
Ghostly hands trying to grab the ball now wear the distinctive white gloves of La Catrina.
Each score is celebrated with the soft strumming of mariachi guitars and a brief, joyful dance.
Hazards:
Spirit animals, or alebrijes, might appear as projections or actors in elaborate costumes, creating obstacles or challenges for the players.
Occasionally, the scent of copal incense becomes thick and pungent, making the players' vision slightly obscured.
Endgame:
The game concludes as before, but instead of a ghostly apparition, a grand procession of calacas (skeletons) and spirits emerges to celebrate the winners, dancing joyfully and leading everyone in a festive song.
Aftergame Festivity:
The bonfire remains central, but now families gather around it to share stories of their ancestors and the great MesoBall players of times past. There's an emphasis on remembering loved ones, their achievements, and their favorite pastimes. Traditional Day of the Dead foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and atole are served alongside the Halloween treats.
By incorporating Día de los Muertos themes into the Mayan ballgame, the event becomes a vibrant celebration of both life and death, highlighting the beauty of memories, traditions, and the ever-present spirits of those who've passed on.
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