INDIANAPOLIS — Individuals of all ages are invited for a bi-cultural event that will introduce them to the unique genre of Mexican wrestling known as Lucha Libre during the Lucha Libro Festival, presented by La Sardina Gallery, on Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street.
Lucha Libre, or “freestyle wrestling,” is characterized by the colorful masks and high-flying maneuvers of the wrestlers, or “luchadores,” with rules similar to American singles matches. Introduced to Mexico in the early 20th century, Lucha Libre dates back to 1863 during the French intervention in Mexico when it was developed from Greco-Roman wrestling.
Beginning at 11 a.m., three Lucha Libre matches will take place in an 18’ x 18’ ring set up in the middle of Central Library’s Atrium. After the final presentation at 2 p.m., individuals can have their photos taken with their favorite luchador.
The family-friendly event at the Library will begin at 10 a.m. with games, activities, art exhibit, and a community market with local artists and vendors that will continue until 3 p.m. In addition, El Camaron Electronico will be mp3jing music during this time.
At 3 p.m., an artists’ talk with Carlos Sosa, La Sardina Gallery founder Melt-Face, and El Camaron Electronico will describe the cultural significance of Lucha Libre. At 4 p.m., a free screening of the PBS documentary film, “Tales of Masked Men – A Journey Through Lucha Libre,” will take place in Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium.
With other downtown events taking place on this day, those wishing to attend the Lucha Libro Festival should allow plenty of time to search for nearby parking and walk to Central Library. Free bus service to downtown on the Red Line has stops within two blocks of the Library. The Central Library parking garage will be inaccessible until early afternoon. Downtown parking information can be found at www.indy.dt.com/parking.cfm.
To generate interest in Lucha Libre, a variety of workshops for children, teens and adults will be presented throughout September at IndyPL branch locations that will allow them to create Lucha Libre paper masks and prints.
For more information about these free Library events, visit www.indypl.org.
