Lucha Libre!

On Tuesday night in Guadalajara we decided to attend a lucha libre match. We first saw Lucha Libre in the movie Nacho Libre with Jack Black, directed by the guys who did Napoleon Dynamite. We did a little bit of research on the internet before the show and followed a few words of advice. 1) Arrive early in order to avoid being harassed and 2) cameras aren't allowed; males will be searched, so give cameras to the females to carry in. We arrived about a half hour before it started to our seats in the 4th row. People started filing into the arena and the vendors began selling beer and chicharon (pork rinds, but they must deep fry skin from the whole side of the pig because some easily measure 4 square feet), home made potato chips and microwave popcorn. All of the sudden we heard the crowd start whistling and cat calling as a bleached-blonde Mexican gal in tight clothing walked in. This would continue all night long, whenever a pretty girl walked into the arena. Sometimes as they got near the ring in the open area the guy they were with would twirl them around to everyone's enjoyment.

The match begins with the least popular or experienced wrestlers and proceeds to the finale, which features the top wrestlers. The matches featured all one could expect from a professional wrassling match: loud chest slaps, brawls outside of the ring that spill into the seats/spectators, spit that flies into at least the 2nd row (luckily we were spared), sweet masks worn by the luchadors, and high flying acrobatic moves. Throughout the match we learned many palabras malas (bad words) in Mexican. They would chant palabras malas at the wrestlers, vendors, servers, etc. They would also chant to the females in the audience "Que te pare" (stand up) or "vuelta" (turn around). Even Emily got a "Que te pare" from the friendly gents near us, she briefly stood up so she wouldn't get booed (like the first time they tried with her) and was met with a nice round of applause. Although, she was pretty embarrassed.

It got a little hairy on the way to the exit when we were escorted out with chants of "hijos de Bush" and other palabras malas. It all seemed to be in good fun (we think) but a bit unnerving nonetheless when close to hundred inebriated young mexican fellas are chanting at you. Most of them seemed to be smiling though. Even Shaun, a friend from our school there who went with us, was a bit rattled (and he about 6'2" & 235 lbs.). Thanks to Shaun for the use of some pics he took!

Luke, getting a photo with the winner Dos Caras Jr. (the loser was Ultimo Guerrero)!