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Families gathered in downtown Santa Rosa on Friday for a wrestling night and ballet folklórico performances to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
The event “Noche de Lucha Libre”, organized by the local nonprofit VIDA, took place in the middle of Old Courthouse Square.
The first match began at 5:30 p.m., as eager kids and their parents surrounded the wrestling ring. The luchadores entered the arena, greeting the audience before the matches started.
These luchadores are part of Wrestling for Charity, a nonprofit organization based in San Jose that brings entertainment to Northern California.
One luchador, “Carmelo Romeo” from Napa Valley, has been wrestling for two years. He expressed his desire to give back to the community as a volunteer and shared his pride in the character he portrays in the ring, which honors his Salvadorian ancestry.
“Carmelo is flamboyant,” he said. “It is a way to express my heritage.”
Graciela, from San Francisco, was selling luchador masks next to the ring. She said she travels with the wrestling tour to support her son, “Chicano Flame,” as he performs.
“I follow him wherever he fights,” said Carmela, who emigrated from Jalisco 57 years ago.
Hundreds of spectators cheered for the wrestlers’ moves in the ring, while parents waited on the side of the plaza for their children to perform traditional Mexican dances.
In between wrestling matches, the Ballet Folklórico Sarita from Windsor showcased enthusiastic ensembles in front of a clapping audience.
The event, which featured food vendors and artisanal crafts, was expected to last until 9 p.m., according to the organizers.