Diciembre 22, 2004
Bolivian Wrestling Federation
Just like the popular Mexican wrestlers on Saturday afternoons, a group of men and women from El Alto have been making a living putting on a wrestling show. Some women have been performing for nearly twenty years and some challenge men.
The most popular wrestlers are the women, dressed in the traditional cholita garb, complete with pollera and bowler hats. With not-so colorful names like Carmen Rosa and Julia la Paceña, these women are the main attraction for approximately 800 Alteños, who pay 5 Bs. admission (.60 cents USD).
Like in any great wrestling show, there always is a villian.
Los rudos asustan a los niños que se acercan demasiado. A veces, reparten cocachos o, como acostumbra el Comando Zabala —vestido con uniforme militar— echan agua que llevan en la boca.
Zabala es el más odiado y temido. Se dedica a insultar a los alteños: “Son la escoria de Bolivia”; “Pobres analfabetos que sólo saben quemar”. La gente le responde a gritos: “Sarna”, “inútil”.
This coming Sunday, a "Titans of the Ring" benefit wrestling match starring 30 men and women will collect funds for various children organizations in the city.
Photos:La Razon
Posted by eduardo at Diciembre 22, 2004 01:06 PM