A Mini Guide to Lucha Libre:

1. Lucha Libre was brought to the fore of popular culture back in 1942, when a wrestler known simply as 'El Santo' (The Saint) stepped into the ring. He wore a silver mask and enchanted Mexicans with his mysterious personality, becoming a folk hero and a symbol of justice for the working man. He featured in comics, films and made Lucha Libre the most popular sport in Mexico.

2. Libre evolved organically in Mexico, starting in the 1930s. The luchadores are therefore usually more agile and daring, and perform more jumps and aerial maneuvers than professional wrestlers in the United States. They perform high flying attacks by propelling themselves from the ring’s ropes, and use intricate combinations in rapid-fire succession.

3. Máscaras (masks) used in Lucha Libre have had a significance since the Aztec days, and have been used as part of the wrestling uniform since the 1930s. The masks evoke the images of ancient heroes, gods, or animals, and the particular image becomes a part of the wrestler’s identity as a fighter. The mask is so important that removing an opponent's mask during a match is grounds for disqualification. The legendary wrestler El Santo wore his mask at all times, revealing his face briefly only in old age. He was even buried wearing his silver máscara.

4. Máscara contra cabellera (Mask vs. Hair) is a special type of a Lucha Libre fight: it is when a masked wrestler and an unmasked one compete. If the masked luchador wins, the unmasked one has to shave his head to mask his humiliation. If the unmasked luchador wins, he keeps his hair and the loser is unmasked.

5. Luchadores are traditionally divided into two categories. ‘Rudos’ are the ‘tough guys’ who bend or break the rules, while the ‘técnicos’ are the ‘good guys’, who play by the rules. The ‘técnicos’ moves are more complex and spectacular, and they usually have formal combat styles, while the ‘rudos’ tend to be brawlers.