Day 5 in La Paz

After a morning of free time spent exploring the city of La Paz, the APEX 7 team met for one final exciting activity before ascending the mountain. Tonight's? The thrilling cholita wrestling.

Cholitas wrestling describes "Lucha Libre" (WWF) style wrestling, often between indigenous bolivian women in traditional dress. This dress often includes a traditional skirt, shawl and bowler hat. Wrestling has always been popular in Bolivia, with women getting involved in the early 2000s to gain empowerment in the fight against domestic violence.

The APEX team met in the late afternoon before getting buses up to the neighbouring city of El Alto. We entered the building to a vibrant wrestling ring surrounded by chairs. A rumour of audience participation made the front row a brave choice. Shortly after exchanging tokens for a free snack and souvenir the show began.

The show featured multiple fights, following the dramas of characters such as Maria and Zac. Each wrestler had a dramatic entrance, with music and introductions from the enthusiastic commentator. Met with thunderous applause, they took their turns going round the audience, choosing members to dance with, take into the ring, or even kiss on the cheek! After this, the fight began. There were many twists and turns, including a biased referee and a jump from the balcony above. At times the fight even continued outside the ring, spilling into the audience. Many of the wrestlers played dirty, using tricks such as pulling hair or throwing chairs.

All in all it made for an unforgettable show and an enlightening demonstration of bolivian culture.