Lucha Libre in the Park

To me, "lucha libre" sounds like free lunch. I know it's not (I didn't take Spanish for six years for nothing!). In fact, it's far from it. It's wrestling, but an entirely different kind of wrestling. I had actually never heard of it before, so this was an entire world of sports I did not know existed before August.  

I learned that lucha libre means free wrestling. It's a type of wrestling that's much, much more than just arm strength and  grappling on the floor. It's gymnastics meets wrestling - it's jumping, and acrobats. It originated in Mexico, and is second to soccer in popularity. And not only that, but they wear awesome costumes and masks...at least the luchadores in Mexico do - some other luchadores skip that part (lame).

As it so happens, there was going to be lucha libre right here in Seattle. Honestly, I didn't really want to go (side note: I don't think I really understood what it was until after I witnessed it). Our friend Aaron and Josh talked about it, and how awesome it sounded, and for me...meh. But being a good sport, I decided to give it a whirl. What else was I doing that afternoon anyways? Plus, Josh is patient with my TV shows and frozen yogurt needs, so I figured I could do this for him. 

The event was down at Duwamish Waterway Park - near West Seattle. It was a nice, sunny day. A perfect day for some lucha libre. They had two guys introduce the wrestling match. The first match was the Mexican luchadores. There was Sonic and Blue Steel. I gave them those names...but they did have names, I just don't remember.

Then came the couples match (note: that's not a technical luchador term). One was wearing a crazy tiger costume and the other a red, white, and blue eagle costume. Then there was a girl in black & yellow, and a guy dressed like a girl with a wig and all.

Tiger Luchadore

It was quite hilarious. The luchadores would taunt each other - like "I will crush you" and then they'd involve the crowd to cheer or boo. The kiddos loved it, and there was quite a bit of cheering. 

The one girl (the real girl) was crazy. She'd climb up on the side and then jump.

Flying Girl Luchador

Then there were a few matches with American luchadores that didn't wear masks. Booo. The masks are way cooler. There was one guy that was like Mr. Machismo. He basically wore a speedo with a bow tie. No pictures of that one for you - this is a family blog people!  

I probably should have bought a mask for Halloween. Dang it! 

Luchador Masks

And that is Lucha Libre.  

Oh, and if you're here in Seattle, you can train to become a luchado. That's right; the people that brought the event are Lucha Libre Volcanica, and they're waiting for you to sign-up!