As this season’s book club comes to a close, we would like to share some interesting facts about an important aspect of The Sons of El Rey: the thrilling spectacle of Lucha libre!
Lucha libre (free wrestling) is more than just a sport, it’s a vibrant cultural tradition in Mexico. It is a blend of athleticism with theatrical flair that uses colorful masks, high-flying moves, and dramatic storylines, making it a national pastime.
The masks worn by luchadores represent honor and tradition, symbolizing much more than just a character. Losing a mask in a match is considered a personal sacrifice, with high-stakes matches often involving the risk of unmasking.
Rooted in Mexican folklore, lucha libre features the battle between the good guys (técnicos) and the bad guys (rudos), reflecting cultural values of righteousness, bravery, and resilience. It’s a form of storytelling that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Today, lucha libre is a global phenomenon, inspiring fashion, books, and international wrestling organizations. It’s a thrilling spectacle that showcases the rich history and energy of Mexican culture.
Since 2018, Lucha Libre has been considered an intangible cultural heritage of Mexico City!
El Centro’s recommendations about Lucha Libre
If you’re interested in learning more about Lucha Libre history and culture, El Centro recommends checking out these resources:
- Against The Ropes, series on Netflix about female luchadoras
- GLOW, Netflix TV series about female professional wrestlers
- Fuchsia Libre, Netflix movie about a gay Filipino luchador
- Cassandro The Exótico!, documentary on Kanopy
- Cassandro, movie on Amazon Prime
- Lucha Mexico, documentary on YouTube
Cassandro is free to watch for everyone at ACC when logged into Kanopy using their eID. The Lucha México documentary is also available for free streaming on YouTube.
Tags: ACC District, Bookclub, El Centro, Lucha Libre
Back to Top