Lucha libre: The fiesta of the people, now in the United States as well as Mexico

In Mexico, lucha libre is rivaled only by soccer. The masked and caped wrestlers star not only in the ring, but in films, comic books and commercials. Now, the sport's following is growing in the U.S, reports Kevin Baxter.

"Welcome to lucha libre wrestling, where villains and superheroes, most in trademark masks, fight two-out-of-three-fall battles that are part gymnastics, part vaudeville.

"In Mexico, the popularity of lucha libre, literally 'free struggle' or 'free fight,' is rivaled only by soccer. Wrestlers star not only in the ring, but in movies, comic books, commercials and magazines. Now the sport's following in this country is beginning to swell, driven by the desire of many assimilated Mexicans to reacquaint themselves with a part of their heritage and by the nostalgia more-recent arrivals have for their homeland."

See a photo slide show about lucha libre in the United States.

For photos of lucha libre here in Mexico, click through to Flickr.

Photo: Blue Demon Jr. throws Solitario out of the ring during a lucha libre wrestling match at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena last month. Credit: Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Tony]

Luch libre is the best! I like that there are elements of this in the WWE! John Cena is my fav and I cannot wait until he incorporates Lucha Libre style into his wrestling! I heard he is going to be on MTV Tr3s tonight at 9pm! I'm hopin he busts out a few moves! Check it out guys! If you like Lucha Libre then u'll like Cena...He is a showman!

[Amanda Martinez]

Lucha Libre is even popular with young people in the U.S check out this video of Lucha Libre school fundraiser in San Francisco featuring Mexico's favorite Rey Misterio fighting the Border Patrol Wrestlers!

http://missionlocal.org/?s=lucha+libre&x=0&y=0&=Go