When you think of Mexico, what comes to mind first?

It is probably the delicious cuisine, perhaps tacos or tamales, and ingredients involved, such as avocado or chilli peppers. You’re most likely also thinking about tequila and mezcal, because it is hard not to. Maybe a Mariachi band pops into your head, too, followed by beautiful scenery and beaches, and amazing beaches.

Whatever it is you’re thinking of when you think of Mexico, I really hope one of those things is Mexican wrestling, because it sure as hell should be!

What is Lucha Libre?

Otherwise known as Lucha Libre, this wrestling is a high-flying style of ‘free wrestling’ originating from Mexico. Known for its theatrical flair, acrobatic movements and most notably masked wrestlers, called luchadores (male) or luchadoras (female), it is a traditional Mexican sport enjoyed greatly by tourists and locals alike.

The history of Lucha Libre

Building on the Greek and Roman forms of wrestling, Lucha Libre can be traced back to 1863. That is when Enrique Ugartechea developed the new ‘freestyle’ of wrestling. Salvador Lutteroth Gonzáles founded Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL) in 1933, today known as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), promoting Lucha Libre throughout all of Mexico and turning it into the national, cultural phenomenon it is today.

The key factors of Lucha Libre

The Mask

Known as Máscara, Luchador’s mask is their wrestler’s identity and heritage. They can represent animals, gods, warriors and other archetypes, and they are inspired by the Aztec and Mayan traditions. Those masks allow the wrestlers to keep their personal identity private and are considered somewhat of a sacred item. So much so that intentionally removing an opponent’s mask is considered against the rules and is grounds for disqualification. The wrestlers can, however, bet their masks against each other in an ultimate match known as ‘The Lucha de Apuestas’ – a match with wagers. Losing their mark can cause damage to their career, but it is a sure way to settle a feud between two rivals, as well as attract a great crowd. They can bet their hair instead of a mask, being forced to shave their head upon match loss, as a sign of humiliation.

Good vs Evil Trios Matches

It is highly popular for Lucha Libre matches to feature a tag team, usually comprised of 3 team members. The matches also tend to follow a battle between a team of good and a team of evil. This includes the team of técnicos (those who follow the rules – the good guys) fighting against the rudos (those who break the rules – the bad guys). This provides a narrative to the matches, telling a story, and is a good indicator for the non-familiar with the sport (i.e. me and many other tourists) on who to root for!

Mazatlán Lucha Libre Tour – Cruise Excursion

If you’re planning to visit Mexico, I think seeing the highly entertaining performance of this cultural sport is a must. If you find yourself in Mazatlán, whether as part of your cruise itinerary or your own self-travel, I’d recommend checking out the excursion as part of your day. It only takes about 2.5-3 hours and is located not even 10 minutes away from the cruise port. Like a lot of other tourist events in Mexico, it begins with an open margarita bar. Don’t worry, though; they have a non-alcoholic version, as well as other soft drinks and juices. It is followed by a handmade feast of tortilla chips and tacos. The picture does not do it any justice. It might look simple, but it is anything but. Full of flavour, it was absolutely delicious. While you enjoy those, the host, Eddie, gives you a brief overview of Mazatlán, as well as the Lucha Libre, after which the matches begin.

It consists of a short introduction to the rules, followed by 3 rounds of 3 groups, culminating in all wrestlers participating in it. They teach you some Spanish phrases to be able to call out during the matches, but audience participation is also encouraged! Kids had an opportunity to go up onto the ring during the match as well! Eddie was a phenomenal entertainer who tied the whole experience together! Since it is a very tourist-oriented event, yes, it is over the top, even cringey at times. But I got over that rather quickly, seeing just how much fun this excursion is! Genuinely, one of the best ones I’ve done in Mexico, filled with good entertainment, great fun and loads of laughs.

To my surprise, despite the fact that the acrobatics and the outcome of the match might be predetermined, the physical aspect of the moves and their consequences are very much real. They went as far as to do the performance on the concrete, outside of the ring, with skin cuts and scratches visible from so close up. I can’t sing enough praises for the Lucha Libre Mazatlán cruise excursion. Had the most amazing tie, and even came back home with the mask as a souvenir.

So if you’re planning a trip to Mexico, I would highly recommend adding a Lucha Libre event to your itinerary!