The traveler’s Lucha Libre handbook: a guide to watching Lucha Libre in Mexico City

This Lucha Libre Mexico City guide will tell you everything you need to know about watching this famous Mexican wrestling, ticket prices, tours, and more.

Lucha Libre, which translates to “free fight” or “free wrestling,” is a style of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico. 

This form of wrestling is distinctive due to several unique characteristics, most notably because of its high-flying acrobatics, use of colorful masks by the wrestlers (luchadores), and the dramatic storytelling elements infused into the matches. 

In particular, using color masks during Lucha Libre is one of the highlights of the match, as they represent the luchador’s persona in specific matches. 

If you are wondering if Lucha Libre is scripted, yes it is, with predetermined outcomes and choreographed sequences.

However, the athleticism and skill of the luchadores are very much natural, as they perform high-risk maneuvers and engage in intense physical competition.

Just like football in Brazil or baseball in the United States, traditional mexican wrestling is considered a national pastime in Mexico, contributing significantly to its immense popularity.

Lucha Libre Mexico City is one of the best things to do in the capital. It is unique to Mexican culture, so make sure to add this to your Mexico City itinerary!

Why is Lucha Libre so popular in Mexico? 

Lucha Libre is popular in Mexico due to its mix of sport, spectacle, and cultural tradition, forming a unique part of Mexican popular culture.

Just like football in Brazil or baseball in the United States, traditional mexican wrestling is considered a national pastime in Mexico, contributing significantly to its immense popularity.

Where can I watch Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

There are two arenas to watch regular Lucha Libre Mexico City matches in Mexico City.

The Arena Mexico is the undisputed “Cathedral of lucha libre,” built especially for the luchas (fights). It hosts regular luchas every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Here, you can see some of Mexico’s most well-known luchadors (wrestlers), such as Máximo and Shocker, being threatened with removing their trademark masks and their masculinity, pride, and reputation. 

Another arena where you can watch Lucha shows is the Arena Coliseo. Also known as the Lagunilla Funnel, this arena was the first lucha libre arena before the Arena Mexico took over. 

Despite having existed for longer than its rival, this smaller and older arena didn’t have a capacity of more than 16,000 people (the total of Arena Mexico).

How much do lucha libre tickets cost?

Lucha Libre ticket prices in Mexico City vary depending on the seating section and the event’s popularity. 

Generally, ticket prices start around $11 USD for general admission or basic seating, and they can go up to $35 USD or more for premium seating or ringside tickets.

When purchasing Lucha Libre tickets, you must check the Coliseum or Arena you are booking. You will normally see Arena Mexico and Arena Coliseo.

Both are OK and safe, but I only have experience with Arena Mexico.

Furthermore, I noticed that prices for each show day are also different (for obvious reasons, weekends are more expensive).

Here are the prices for the Lucha Libre tickets with corresponding days and venues. Just to let you know, the first 10 rows are more expensive than the back seats.

The prices below are the cheapest (after row 10). All prices are in US dollars:

Ringside Seats	Tue	Fri	Sat	Sun
Orange	$14	$28	$28	$25
Green	$9	$28	$28	$11
Blue	$11	$21	$21	$11
Red	$11	$32	$32	$11

For example, closer to the dates, booking on the same 1-2 days before, ticket prices are double.

Hover over the arena’s seating map to find accurate Lucha Libre tickets. Each seat has a different price depending on the day.

What days does Lucha Libre show in Mexico City? 

Lucha Libre shows in Mexico City are typically held on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

If you plan to watch a Lucha Libre show with kids, it’s best to buy the Sunday tickets, which are called “Domingo Familiar” (Family Sundays).

The World Wrestling Council at the Arena Mexico has made this a tradition for fans of all ages. The fights are lighter and more appropriate for children.

I accidentally bought this ticket (with adult friends) for my first Lucha Libre game and I did not know that Sundays are for kids!

If you are a group of adults and want to watch a more traditional fight without censorship, choose Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday shows.

How long is a Lucha Libre fight?

The duration of a Lucha Libre fight can vary, but typically individual matches last around 10 to 20 minutes. More or less, your ticket includes more than 5 matches.

A Lucha Libre event can last 2-3 hours, including multiple matches and intermissions.

However, in Mexico City, many Lucha Libre shows are combined with street food tours, biking tours, or even mask-making activities before the show (in another venue).

If you are availing a combo tour, expect to do this activity for 5 hours (depending on the activity you choose).

Best Lucha Libre Mexico City tours

These are the best Lucha Libre Mexico City tours, unique and curated by locals. We have listed different experiences with food, mask masking, taco crawling, and more!

Lucha Libre & Taco Trek

In this Lucha Libre and Taco Trek tour, you will visit Roma, downtown, and Juarez neighborhoods and eat tacos in each area. After which, you will go to the Lucha Libre Arena for the show!

The tour is about 4 hours and is available on the following days:

• Tuesdays: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Fridays: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
• Saturdays: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Sundays: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

I personally know this host so if you want to book this Lucha Libre experience, I guarantee you that these people will give you the best time in Mexico City!

Luchador Meet, Rooftop Retreat & Ringside Seats

In this Lucha Libre Meet and Greet, you will meet a professional Luchador up close, indulge in snacks and drinks atop a rooftop with breathtaking views of Reforma, and go to a live show.

This Lucha Libre Experience Mexico City runs four times a week with different timeslots:

• Tuesdays: 6:30 PM
• Fridays: 7:30 PM
• Saturdays: 6:30 PM
• Sundays: 4:00 PM 

Mask & Match: A Lucha Libre Adventure

🏆 Voted top-notch experience in a local’s home
🌟 Top-rated host (99% positive reviews)
💃🏼 Fun activity for groups
👪 Families enjoy this tour

Craft your own mask, dive deep into Mexican wrestling with an insightful talk, savor authentic beers, and be captivated by a live wrestling show. Experience tradition and thrill in one night!

This Mexico City Cultural Lucha Libre tour runs four times a week with different timeslots:

• Tuesdays: 6:00 PM
• Fridays: 7:00 PM
• Saturdays: 6:00 PM
• Sundays: 3:30 PM

Is it safe to go to Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

Yes, it’s generally safe to attend a Lucha Libre show in Mexico City, but like with any large event, be aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.

Tips for watching Lucha Libre in Mexico City

You can go on a Lucha Libre without a tour

Going to a Lucha Libre Mexico City show without a tour is very much possible. Arena Mexico and La Arena Coliseo are popular venues to buy tickets directly. You can even purchase tickets in advance online. 

The difference, however, is that a tour can provide additional context and insights. You can easily take an Uber from your hotel to the Arena, but purchase tickets in advance.

Can you buy Lucha Libre tickets at the door?

While it is possible, I do not advise you to do it. This show is always full and busy, so if you show up without a ticket, there is a possibility you won’t get one.

If you plan to buy your tickets at the door, arrive extra early (probably 2 hours before the show).

🍺 Tip: If you arrive early, Fritz is a good German bar to hang out and kill time! (open from 1 PM)

Engage with the crowd

Lucha Libre matches are as much about the crowd as they are about the wrestling. Don’t be shy to join in with the chants and cheers.

But remember, always be respectful to the wrestlers and the fans around you.

Understand the mask culture

The masks worn by the luchadores carry a rich symbolism and are a crucial aspect of their identity. If a luchador loses a match and must remove his mask, it’s a significant event.

Try to learn a bit about this tradition before you go, to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the event.

Food and drinks while watching Lucha Libre

Make sure to try the typical event food and drinks, like the Micheladas (a beer cocktail) or some of the street food outside of the arenas.

Many vendors are in the vicinity of the arena, selling everything from tacos to tortas.

Lucha Libre Souvenirs

You’ll see plenty of vendors selling a variety of Lucha Libre masks. They are not just for show; audience members often wear them during the matches.

Also, you can buy mini luchador figurines, t-shirts, and posters as a memento of your experience.

Respect the heel

In Lucha Libre, as in other forms of professional wrestling, there’s often a clear ‘heel’ (villain) and ‘face’ (hero). Audiences often play along with the storyline, booing the heel and cheering the face. It’s all part of the fun!

Some days of the week feature specific types of matches

For example, Friday nights at Arena Mexico often feature the most popular and experienced luchadores. Sundays might be more family-oriented shows with a mix of experienced and novice luchadores.

Visiting small and local Lucha Libre Mexico City arenas

If you can, visit some of the smaller local arenas too. The atmosphere can be more intimate, and you can often get closer to the action.

Visiting a smaller local arena can give you a different perspective on Lucha Libre. The shows are usually more intimate, and you can get closer to the action.

You may also see more experimental matches and younger luchadores just starting their careers. The fans at these shows are often very passionate, which can add to the experience.

• Arena Coliseo: Known as “the Lagunilla Funnel” due to its location, it’s one of the oldest Lucha Libre arenas in Mexico City, and the CMLL also operates it. Smaller than Arena Mexico, it offers a more intimate setting for the fights.
• Arena Naucalpan: This is the home of International Wrestling Revolution Group (IWRG), one of the main independent lucha promotions. It’s located in the Naucalpan municipality, just outside of Mexico City. The arena hosts matches every Sunday and has a strong local fanbase.
• Arena Neza: Located in the Nezahualcoyotl municipality, it’s known for its raucous atmosphere. This is another great option to see more grassroots Lucha Libre with a mix of local and more well-known luchadores.
• Arena Lopez Mateos: This is another very popular independent venue, located in Tlalnepantla, to the north of Mexico City. They host a mix of local shows and events from smaller promotions.
• Arena San Juan Pantitlan: This arena hosts shows from various independent promotions and has earned a reputation for hosting some of the region’s more innovative and exciting matches.

Don’t expect to understand everything

Lucha Libre matches have complex storylines and traditions. If you’re new to Lucha Libre, you might not understand everything that’s going on, and that’s okay!

Enjoy the spectacle, the athleticism, and the energy of the crowd.

Remember, a Lucha Libre show is not just a sporting event, it’s a cultural experience. Immerse yourself, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

You can also watch Lucha Libre in other parts of Mexico

If you missed the Lucha Libre Mexico City shows, don’t worry! This is not only limited to the capital so if you are continuing your journey to other Mexican destinations, below are the cities that also host Lucha Libre:

• Guadalajara: Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and home to Arena Coliseo Guadalajara, another major venue for Lucha Libre. CMLL also runs it and has matches usually on Tuesdays and Sundays.
• Puebla: In Puebla, you can visit Arena Puebla, one of Mexico’s oldest arenas. They typically host shows every Monday night, often featuring wrestlers from the CMLL.
• Monterrey: Monterrey is a hotbed for Lucha Libre. The city’s Arena Coliseo Monterrey and Arena Monterrey regularly host matches from various wrestling promotions.
• Tijuana: Tijuana is known for its wrestling culture as well. The Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno often hosts Lucha Libre shows.
• Acapulco: Acapulco’s Centro Internacional Acapulco occasionally hosts Lucha Libre matches.
• Torreon: This city is known for its wrestling, with events often held at the local wrestling gym, Gimnasio de la Unidad Deportiva Torreón.
• Xalapa: The state capital of Veracruz, Xalapa also has a lively Lucha Libre scene, with Arena Xalapa hosting regular events.

Can you see Lucha Libre in Mexico City without a tour? 

Yes, you can see a Lucha Libre Mexico City show without a tour. All you have to do is purchase the ticket online and go to the arena yourself.

That is if you don’t want extra activities like mask-making or taco tours before watching the show.

Many Lucha Libre tours are combined with other Roma or Condesa activities.

What is a luchador?

A “luchador” in Mexico refers to a professional wrestler who participates in “lucha libre,” a form of professional wrestling characterized by colorful masks, rapid sequences of holds and maneuvers, and high-flying techniques.

There are also female luchadores, called “luchadora,” the feminine term in Spanish.

Luchadores wear masks as a part of tradition and storyline. The mask conceals their identity and adds an element of mystique and drama.

Unmasking a luchador is considered highly disrespectful as it violates a deep-seated tradition, and in matches, it often results in disqualification.

The most famous luchador in Mexico is arguably El Santo, whose wrestling career spanned nearly five decades.

Now you might be wondering if these luchadores are the same like Nacho Libre (the movie). You must know that the character portrayed by Jack Black in the movie, is fictional.

However, the film was loosely inspired by the real-life priest, Fray Tormenta, who became a luchador.