Mexico City Travel Guide (Mexico City, Mexico)

is probably the city's biggest obsession, and while football, wrestling and bullfighting are the three leading lights, the sporting calendar doesn't stop there. In years gone by, you could spend a moderately interesting evening watching frontón (pelota, or jai alai) right in the city centre at the Frontón México on the Plaza de la República. With a players' strike now extending to over five years (and showing no signs of being resolved) some wonder whether the sport will ever regain its former following, especially since it is a pretty dull game (unless you're betting) and was already losing popularity when play was suspended. There's horse racing , too, throughout the year (afternoons: Tues, Thurs & Sat & Sun) at the Hipodromo de las Americas: buses and peseros heading west on Reforma will take you there - look for "Hipodromo". More exciting horsey action is involved in the charreadas , or rodeos , put on by amateur but highly skilled aficionados most weekends, primarily at the Rancho del Charro , Constituyentes 500 (tel 5277-8706), close to the third section of Chapultepec Park: check the press to find out what's going on.