The Wrestling Cholitas of La Paz

The traditional Andean woman, immediately recognizable in voluminous skirts, a bowler hat, and braids, is often referred to as a cholita. The incongruousness between their looks and their killer wrestling moves is what made the cholita wrestlers at the Lucha Libre matches in El Alto so well known. WWF-style wrestling in general is very popular in Bolivia, but at Cholitas Wrestling, the men in extravagant costumes, such as Gitano and Doberman, take a backseat to the more famous cholitas such as La Loca.

Every Sunday, the cholitas meet for battle at a sports facility in this suburb of La Paz. It’s a loud, fast, and colorful display whose scenarios are often allegories about social injustice. The moves are humorous and showy, and bring about overacted reactions and grimaces. The referee gets into the action as well, jumping into the fighting as well as adjusting his count rate to help his allies.

The event is popular with locals and foreigners alike, although unsurprisingly foreigners are segregated and do pay more for their tickets. Don’t think the foreigner’s section is tame, however: it’s close enough to the action for flying wrestlers and chairs to hit it, and for spectators to get covered in soda from thrown bottles.

Like American and Mexican wrestling, showmanship and humor keep the audience members entertained despite the obvious acting in some of the moves and reactions. (It can get legitimate at times, however, which leads to some intense moments and scares!) Coke and popcorn is free with tickets- allowing you to have something to snack on as well as things to throw…

If you’re interested in arranging to see one of the Sunday matches during your stay in La Paz, just stop by the Pirwa La Paz Hostel reception area for assistance. Or, for more information on things to do in La Paz, contact one of our experienced travel specialists at pirwatravel@gmail.com.