Cholitas

I’ve never been a fan of wrestling — scripted or otherwise. But whenever I asked for recommendations for an activity unique to La Paz, the Cholitas were always mentioned. So I figured it was a must-see. The Cholitas are a group of female wrestlers who perform in traditional gear. The term refers to indigenous Bolivian women who embrace their heritage. The show was as raucous and theatrical as expected.

Turns out I don’t enjoy Bolivian wrestling any more than American wrestling. Here is what my face looked like during the show. But I can check this cultural event off my list.

10 responses to “Cholitas”
  1. Not very well choreographed, as they hardly even pretended to be throwing each other, but certainly colorful. The floor bounces just like in our fake wrestling. Ugh.

  2. Donna Kruszewska Avatar
    Donna Kruszewska

    I agree with your expressions. Makes the Female Roller Derby team we saw in West Virginia almost look like a debutante ball dance by comparison. Did it help you get over the altitude sickness.

    1. Yes, exactly, the derby team was just playing around, in comparison. The violence in this thing was brutal, even though I’m sure much of it was play-acting, it still made me cringe.

  3. Ron Walker Avatar
    Ron Walker

    Wow, seeing them wrestle in traditional clothing makes it all the more absurd.

    1. Exactly. Though seeing the traditional clothes was probably the part that was most interesting for me, I was trying to focus on that.

  4. Hazel Mckay Avatar
    Hazel Mckay

    Wow so choreographed it was like a dance they perform every Monday Wednesday and Friday. Colourful and something you will not forget in a hurry.

    1. For sure I won’t forget it!

  5. Hazel Mckay Avatar
    Hazel Mckay

    Wow so choreographed it was like a dance they perform every Monday Wednesday and Friday. Colourful and something you will not forget in a hurry.

  6. Those are the best funniest pictures of you ! Good for you foe going – but my sentiments exactly would match your faces !!!!!

    1. I figured I would give it a shot. But the violence was just too much for me, even though I know much of it was scripted.