Last update: Tue May 6 2008 10:46:39

Mexico City goes wrestling mad

Wrestling fans have flocked to Mexico City for a three-day festival.

The event aims to demonstrate that the best lucha libre, or free-style wrestling, is found in Mexico.

The sport has a history of more than 50 years in the country, where it is hugely popular, mainly among the poor working-class.

Lucha libre wrestlers often have a natural, raw talent for the sport and wear elaborate, colourful costumes and masks - which they never take off.

Festival-goers are able to get up close and personal with the stars, having their photographs taken with famous lucha libre wrestlers, and attending clinics to improve their wrestling techniques.

The sport has gained notoriety abroad thanks to Hollywood film Nacho Libre, staring comedian Jack Black.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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