The Greatest Show of Lucha Libre: London set to be lit up by the heart of Mexican culture

The Roundhouse plays host to the best Lucha Libre wrestlers this weekend that promises high-flying theatrics, ultra-violent drag queens and the Wrestling Cholitas of Bolivia

Lucha Libre arrives in north London this weekend to bring a flavour of Mexican wrestling to the capital (Roger Alarcon Photography)

North London has been invaded by men in masks: the wild world of lucha libre is returning with its explosive acrobatics and bone-crunching aerial collisions. The biggest sport in Mexico after football, it’s a gaudy, high-octane fusion of judo, jujitsu, grappling and kickboxing, a muscular masked ballet with a whiff of GBH. The Roundhouse plays host to The Greatest Show of Lucha Libre, bringing with it some of the sport’s biggest names.

With its Manichean battle between good and evil, lucha libre goes to the heart of Mexican culture. Most fights pit a hero against a villain: the rudos are the “heels”, the bad-boy brawlers, bending and breaking the rules – some see them as evoking the grimmer aspects of life in Mexico. The técnicos are the “babyfaces”, or good guys, who play by the rules and perform more of the spectacular moves. They’re often based on comic book heroes or figures from folklore.

There’s also a third category: the exóticos provide camp theatricals, high-flying drag queens with a penchant for ultra-violence. They’re not necessarily gay, but with their lipstick, spandex and feather boas they defy the heavy-duty machismo of Latin culture.

Lucha libre (literally, “free fight”, or freestyle) dates back, according to one account, to the French occupation of the 1860s, when Alcides Mexicano, the country’s first pro wrestler, watched French soldiers practising Graeco-Roman grappling and asked one of them to show him some moves. But it didn’t get properly going until the 1930s, when the first federation was formed, and with the advent of television in the post-war years it took a grip on the nation that has never been relinquished.

There’s a complex code of honour, with an intricate web of long-running feuds. Wager matches are big attractions, and involve intricate combinations of forfeits that can result in the loser being unmasked or having his head shaved. Removing an opponent’s mask in a bout means instant disqualification. The masks are designed to evoke wild animals, gods and ancient heroes, going back to the Aztecs, and have become a treasured aspect of Mexican culture.

Lucha Libre carries a certain acrobatic style that no other wrestling type can recreate

There’s a political dimension to the Roundhouse bill, which features the Wrestling Cholitas of Bolivia. In their distinctive bowler hats and layered skirts, the Cholitas have used wrestling in the battle for the rights of Bolivia’s indigenous Aymara people, who suffered centuries of oppression. “Cholo”, or “chola”, was an epithet of abuse that’s been reclaimed as a term of pride.

Lucha Libre has a UK outpost, Lucha Britannia, fighting out of Bethnal Green in East London. “10,000 Volts of Sexy Mayhem”, its website promises, and the likes of Cassius the Neon Explosion and Metallico, King of the Scrap Heap will be battling for the nation’s reputation. Expect fireworks.

'Exoticas' combine a camp persona with an ultra-violent approach

ON THE BILL

El Hijo del Santo

“The Silver Masked Man”, son of the greatest luchador of all, El Santo, “The Saint”, who became a massive figure in Mexican culture.

El Hijo del Fantasma

Another second-generation luchador, one of the best-loved técnicos.

El Charro del Mysterio

“The cowboy of mystery”, the rising young mariachi-inspired star of lucha libre.

Laredo Kid

Formerly known as “Exterminador”, has a stunning array of high-kick routines and aerial smashes.

This is not the first time that Lucha Libre has come to London

Cassandro el Exótico

Flamboyant and openly gay, “the Liberace of lucha libre” has overcome personal demons, struggling with drink and drugs, and has the date “4 June 2003” tattooed on his back – the day he became sober. Last year a documentary about him, in which he chronicles his decades of broken bones and battling prejudice, premiered at Cannes.

Silver King

Top-ranking rudo who starred as the villain who almost unmasks Jack Black in the movie Nacho Libre.

The Wrestling Cholitas

Elizabeth La Roba Corazones and Juanita La Cariñosa descend from the high plains of the Andes to unleash their arsenal of throws, holds and flying kicks.

Lucha Libre, Camden Roundhouse, Saturday 11 May. For tickets: https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2019/lucha-libre/