Photo ABCs

Lucha Libre

A boy in a "La Parka" or "L.A. Park" Lucha Libre mask looks towards my camera during Lucha Libre in Tijuana.

Lucha Libre

A boy in a ghoulish mask chats with his neighbor during Lucha LIbre at Tijuana's Municipal Auditorium. The mask is the same as one worn by a member of the Psycho Circus lucha libre team, performing that night. (click or tap to enlarge)

Lucha Libre

Two weekends ago I attended a night of Lucha Libre in Tijuana.

Lucha Libre is Mexico's version of professional wrestling. Many, but not all of the performers wear masks, and it is quite theatrical. Though not a fan (at all!) of professional wrestling, for many year's I had hoped to attend Lucha Libre for its photographic possibilities.

Thanks to Derrik of Turista Libre, I had a seat in the third row of a completely sold out Tijuana Municipal Auditorium.

Even though I was in the third row, shots of the wrestlers themselves were very difficult. What I found more interesting to photograph, though, were the fans!

Even though Lucha Libre is raunchy and violent, it is very much a family affair, children, teens, moms, dads, and grandparents were all in attendance.

I found the theatrics entertaining and the acrobatics incredible (how can someone jump from ten feet onto a concrete floor and not be seriously injured?)

I must say I lost interest when the theatrics involved smashing each other with the folding plastic chairs. I will, though, go back so I can obtain more images like the ones that will follow in the next few days.

I regularly travel to Tijuana and Baja, but even so, Turista Libre was an easy and hassle-free way to experience the culture of Tijuana with a great bunch of fellow adventurers. Tijuana can be tricky to navigate, and traveling in Turista Libre's converted school bus takes away any difficulty. I highly recommend them, and look forward to another adventure!

A boy in what appears to be a Blue Demon Lucha Libre mask gazes up to the ring in Tijuana's Municipal Auditorium.