Not conforming (1984-04-07)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A sport with influences
Lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) is a masterful combination of Olympic wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, and influences from 19th-century Mexico. However, it was not until the 20th century that Salvador Lutteroth founded the Mexican Company for the Training of Professional Wrestlers.
International interest
From the 1910s, various businessmen came to Mexico to offer wrestling shows, like those starring the mythical Count Koma and Nabutaka. These events were held in large theaters, such as the Tívoli, or even in the grand Plaza de Toros.
Official beginnings
The first event organized by the Mexican Wrestling Company took place in the Arena Modelo in fall 1933. Participants included the American Bobby Sampson, the Irishman Cyclone Mackey, and the Mexican Yaqui Joe.
Vicente López (1975)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
New arenas
In 1943, the great popularity of wrestling allowed the construction of the Arena Coliseo in the center of Mexico City, a legendary venue frequented by ordinary people from Lagunilla and Tepito.
Captain Adventure (1965)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Legendary fights
This venue was not only home to many feats and the monument of many stories, but also witnessed legendary fights like El Santo vs. Black Shadow, Blue Demon, El Santo vs. Cavernario Galindo and Gori Guerrero.
Two world champions (1965)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Cultural rituals
The 1950s were a time of great progress for lucha libre, not only because of its growing popularity throughout the republic, but also because this was when more wrestlers adopted the use of masks, giving an aura of ritualism and mystery.
The cathedral of wrestling
In 1956, the Arena México was inaugurated with a legendary fight between Blue Demon and Rolando Vera against El Santo and Médico Asesino. This venue is an authentic cathedral of the art of wrestling and a space that continues to write its history to this day.
Boxing and Lucha Libre functions in the neighborhoods of Villa and Obregón (1967-10-16)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Masked for posterity
Wrestling not only became one of the most popular sports in Mexico, but also became an integral part of Mexican popular culture. The legends of masked wrestlers were the main theme of many movies and television shows.
El Santo (1975)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The legendary Santo
Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta, better known as 'El Enmascarado de Plata' ('Silver-Masked Man'), was a prominent wrestler and an icon of Mexican culture. His sporting career spanned 44 years, of which 25 were spent fighting Martians, inquisitors, and vampire women on the silver screen.
Lola Beltrán and El Santo (1975)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Popular art
El Santo gradually acquired the status of a national icon. His first movie was 'Santo vs. the Evil Brain' in 1958, directed by Joselito Rodríguez. Due to its success, his image began to appear widely in photo comics, calendars, stamps, and even cartoons.
El Santo, actor, fighter (1975)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Heroes of the people
Due to dissemination in TV programs and special publications about lucha libre, the personalities of the masked men acquired fame, but it was really their aerial acrobatics inside the ring that made them legends.
Ruben el Púas Olivares as referee of Wrestling between women in the State of Mexico (1980)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Brave women
In 1935, Women's Lucha Libre, led by Natalia Vázquez, challenged gender roles despite obstacles to its performance. It was not until the 1960s that movies challenged norms by showing female wrestlers, thereby breaking stereotypes.
La India Sioux in her bedroom (1983) by Lourdes GrobetMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Various meanings
For many, wrestling is the personification of the battle between good and evil, between mystery and reality, and even between masculinity and femininity. It is a true art that expresses a lot about Mexican culture.
No title (1980) by Lourdes GrobetMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Mexican lucha libre:
From history to tradition to posterity.
This story was created with information and images from the archive of Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
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