Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling) - Entertainment Mexico City - Mexico

Gangs of excited Mexicans waving beers and swearing at their favorite villains, bikini clad models parading around the ring and enormous wrestlers in glittery masks flinging their opponents into the howling crowd- this is Mexican wrestling, or lucha libre, a fast paced mixture of sport, theatrical spectacle and carefully arranged choreography.

Deciphering what's going on can be a little tricky without an intimate knowledge of the various techniques employed by the rudos, the baddies, big and burly, who use underhand, violent maneuvers to beat the técnicos, the less brawny but more tactical fighters. Even if you don't understand the minutiae of the sport though, joining in the boos and cheering is easy enough and is an integral part of the frenzied atmosphere.

The fighters themselves have become near mythical figures in modern Mexican culture and have doubled as major political figures and actors…usually with their masks still on.

Wrestling takes place in various locations around Mexico City, but the two main arenas to catch Místico, El Rey Bucanero and other current stars are Arena Coliseo (Calle Peru 77, Metro Allende, Bellas Artes or Garibaldi) and Arena México (Calle Doctor Lavista 197, Metro Cuauhtemoc or Balderas).

Both areas are a bit dodgy after dark but are OK on fight nights due to the amount of people milling round. Check www.cmll.com and www.luchalibreaaa.com for information (in Spanish) on dates, fights, tournaments etc.

Prices range from $3, for seats way up at the top, to $30 for the best ringside seats.

Location:
Mexico City, Mexico

Entertainment Types:
Mexican wrestling

Travel Skills: None

About this Page

By Lisa Rodan

Updated: 03 Jan 2009