For the first time, Mexican wrestling will be showcased at the Comic-Con Museum in a new exhibit: “Sangre, Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre.”
It debuted Thursday and tells the history of Mexican wrestling through memorabilia, wrestling attire, films, photos, artwork and more.
“The exhibit is an introduction to the world of Mexican wrestling,” said Alicia Kerber-Palma, consul general of México in San Diego. “It pays tribute to both the men and women of lucha libre. It’s a colorful part of the Mexican culture, and it shows how it influences many other art forms like film and comics, and it crosses borders.”
Here are four things to know about this lucha libre exhibit before visiting.
What is this wrestling exhibit about?
This interactive installation highlights the history of wrestling in Mexico, also known as lucha libre.
Some of the items and installations that the public can see are authentic wrestling masks and costumes used by legendary luchadores such as El Santo, photos and videos from legendary lucha libre matches, posters, comics, toys, collectible trading cards and original artwork.
The exhibit is divided into four areas: an introduction to Mexican wrestling, infamous luchadores, women in lucha libre and the impact of Mexican wrestling on pop culture and mass media.
“The women in lucha libre area is my favorte,” Kerber-Palma said. “There are artifacts and stories that highlight the history and roles women have played in lucha libre.”
What’s the backstory?
“Sangre, Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre” is a collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego and the Comic-Con Museum.
It holds a private collection, mainly from wrestling memorabilia collector Maurico Limon and the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre in Mexico City. The exhibit took one year to curate and put together, according to Kerber-Palma.
“The best way to know about your neighbors is to get to know their culture, and lucha libre is one of those ways to get to know Mexico,” Kerber-Palma said.
Why is this exhibit important?
This is the first time the Consulate General of México in San Diego and the Comic-Con Museum have worked together on a wrestling exhibit, according to Kerber-Palma.
“Lucha Libre is a powerful vessel of Mexican culture,” Kerber-Palma said. “The Consulate General of México wants to promote all aspects of Mexican art and culture, not just Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, but all types of art forms like lucha libre.”
Kerber-Palma added that Mexican wrestling is ingrained in several parts of mass media and can be seen in films, magazines and television shows. She also said lucha libre is a reflection of the world around us. More recently, the LGBTQ community has also been welcomed in lucha libre.
“Lucha libre shows the struggle going on for identity and inclusion,” Kerber-Palma said. “Women used to be banned from lucha libre, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that they were allowed to participate.”
How can the public view this exhibit?
The public can experience this Mexican wrestling showcase at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park now through Jan. 31, 2026. Tickets to the exhibit can be purchased at comic-con.org/museum
