By The mystery and excitement of Lucha Libre wrestling will be taking over Long Beach’s Museum of Latin American Art this Friday.
A night full of masked men, free tequila and delicious food from Firehouse Chef’s food trucks will kickoff at 7 p.m. with a screening of the film “Viva Lucha Libre.” The film is directed by Brad Bemis and includes interviews with actual Lucha Libre wrestlers, WWE producers and famous actors like Patton Oswalt, who just enjoy the sport. The screening will be followed by a question and answer session.
Following the screening, guests will fill their bellies with food and enjoy some free tequila provided by Brown-Forman. The audience will then get to witness the spectacle that is Mexican wrestling.
A total of 12 masked Lucha Libre wrestlers, also known as luchadores, will battle in the ring for a chance to be crowned the night’s winner. The audience can expect to see colorful masks, excellent holds and maneuvers and some “high-flying” tricks as well. The entire match will take place outdoors at MOLAA’s beautiful sculpture garden.
Unlike wrestling in the United States, Lucha Libre doesn’t have as many pre-written story lines. What is more interesting is the luchadores’ obsession to remain masked at all times. Taking their profession this seriously makes the luchadores only more mysterious. To luchadores, taking off the mask even when outside the ring is the ultimate form of defeat. It is this shroud of mystery that makes it rare for fans to ever get to see their favorite luchadore’s face.
Popular Lucha Libre announcer Gasparin said in the trailer of the film, “All the fans, they love the wrestlers; they love the heroes.”
General admission tickets are $15.
