Cholita Wrestling in Bolivia

Bolivian women are finding empowerment in a pretty spectacular way — by beating the crap out of each other. Inspired by the history of Mexican lucha libre, Cholita wrestling is a unique event in which women showcase their athletic abilities in the ring, with a good dose of humor, colorful costumes and overwhelming bravado.

The word cholita was one considered a derogatory word for indigenous women in Bolivia but in recent years these women worked to take the word back and give it new purpose. They banded together to put on spectacles for both locals and, lately, tourists from all over the world. Now they proudly claim the name as they enter the wrestling ring in colorful flowing dresses before laying a smack down upon their competitors.

The shows are primarily staged, though still require skill and are often designed to provide levity for the audience. Many of the women have built quite a fan base over the years with some comparing them to popular WWE superstars. Some groups, like the Flying Cholitas, even fight against male competitors.

Hundreds of people fill the arena when these women get ready to duke it out, making for quite a unique and special experience. When in Bolivia, cholita wrestling is not to be missed.