• A Cholita wrestler incorporates a spectator into the performance during the Electropreste celebration, which combines traditional and modern customs, in La Paz, Bolivia March 12, 2022. Picture taken March 12, 2022. REUTERS / Claudia Morales
    A Cholita wrestler incorporates a spectator into the performance during the Electropreste celebration, which combines traditional and modern customs, in La Paz, Bolivia March 12, 2022. Picture taken March 12, 2022. REUTERS / Claudia Morales
  • Fighting cholitas grapple at ElectroPreste. The festival brings together young people from all departments of Bolivia and fuses elements of Bolivian Andean culture with electronic music. AFP
    Fighting cholitas grapple at ElectroPreste. The festival brings together young people from all departments of Bolivia and fuses elements of Bolivian Andean culture with electronic music. AFP
  • A fighting cholita is caught in a hold by her opponent at ElectroPreste. The festival returned in 2022, after being suspended for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. AFP
    A fighting cholita is caught in a hold by her opponent at ElectroPreste. The festival returned in 2022, after being suspended for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. AFP
  • Cholita fighters perform in their signature outfit of pleated skirt, shawl and bowler hat – though this may be understandably discarded during a bout – with pigtail braids. AFP
    Cholita fighters perform in their signature outfit of pleated skirt, shawl and bowler hat – though this may be understandably discarded during a bout – with pigtail braids. AFP
  • Many wrestlers are indigenous Aymara and Quechua women. Reuters
    Many wrestlers are indigenous Aymara and Quechua women. Reuters
  • A Cholita wrestler in full costume flexes her bicep. The fighters help tackle gender stereotypes and discrimination against indigenous people. Reuters
    A Cholita wrestler in full costume flexes her bicep. The fighters help tackle gender stereotypes and discrimination against indigenous people. Reuters
  • Cholita wrestlers fight it out while Electropreste festival goers look on. Reuters
    Cholita wrestlers fight it out while Electropreste festival goers look on. Reuters
  • About 20 years ago, female wrestlers were a side act in male wrestling show. But cholitas were so popular that they became the main attraction. Reuters
    About 20 years ago, female wrestlers were a side act in male wrestling show. But cholitas were so popular that they became the main attraction. Reuters
  • A referee comes off worse trying to ensure cholitas abide by the rules, much to the crowd's amusement. Reuters
    A referee comes off worse trying to ensure cholitas abide by the rules, much to the crowd's amusement. Reuters
  • The term cholita comes from a pejorative Spanish term for an indigenous person. It has been reclaimed and used proudly by Bolivia's indigenous population. Reuters
    The term cholita comes from a pejorative Spanish term for an indigenous person. It has been reclaimed and used proudly by Bolivia's indigenous population. Reuters
  • Cholitas are a popular attraction at Electropreste. Many of the women say wrestling brings a sense of empowerment. Reuters
    Cholitas are a popular attraction at Electropreste. Many of the women say wrestling brings a sense of empowerment. Reuters
  • Anabel, a Cholita wrestler, holds her child after performing at ElectroPreste. Reuters
    Anabel, a Cholita wrestler, holds her child after performing at ElectroPreste. Reuters

World

Cholita wrestlers: Bolivia's female fighters put on a show - in pictures

Performers in traditional skirts and shawls fought it out at the ElectroPreste celebration

The National

March 15, 2022

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Updated: March 15, 2022, 7:38 AM
Photography