Lucha Libre is HUGE in Mexico! Translated it means "free wrestling" but is so much more than America's WWF. Lucha Libre is wrestling theater that plays out the story line of Good v. Evil time and time again. It never gets old. There are always fun twists, unexpected outcomes and the occasional sad and dramatic unmasking of a luchadore.
A typical storyline in the art of lucha libre is that of the técnicos versus the rudos. In plain English, the good guys versus the bad guys. Team técnicos represent the common man, whereas the rudos are the antagonists, representative of politicians or narcos and so on.
No luchador will reveal his or her real name while in character, nor will they remove their mask without being forced to. In fact, occasionally fights include a de-masking condition for the loser, which in literal terms equates to great shame and a loss of status. Therefore, the persona that is played out by the luchadores is intrinsically tied into the costume and mask that they wear.
Good vs. Evil
From Psychology Today:
‘Good’ means a lack of self-centredness. It means the ability to empathize with other people, to feel compassion for them, and to put their needs before your own. I
‘Evil’ people are those who are unable to empathize with others. As a result, their own needs and desires are of paramount importance. They are selfish, self-absorbed, and narcissistic.
Read the whole article.
Let's let Conan O'Brien tell us about his experience as a luchadore!
Create Your OWN Luchadore or Luchadora Persona! Spend some time inventing your luchadore person
Sketch or paint your costume
alternatively create a storyline (written) for your quest
Tecnica or Ruda?
Who or what do you represent in your quests?
The Look
Removable cape or no cape?
Removable skirt?
full or half mask?
2 main colors
Flames?
Ears?
Accessories?
This video from National Geographic is a great primer on Lucha Libre:
Finally, Jack Black made a fun and kind of accurate depiction of lucha libre in Nacho Libre!