© Inigo Tomes, 2008 |
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| General Information |
Leonese wrestling is a traditional wrestling style of Leon in Spain. It is played in a circular area called corro and players hold each other’s belt placed around the waist, trying to throw down. The competition usually lasts for no more than 3 minutes and they have to obtain 4 points for victory, with full falls (2 points) and half falls (half points) awarded. Currently, matches are divided into two gender, seven age, and four weight groups. Competitions between towns are regularly held.
In 2017, it was officially granted heritage status with the recognition as an Intangible Asset of Cultural Interest by the Castile and Leon regional government. |
| History/Development |
Traditionally, lucha leonesa, used to be called aluches – generic term meaning wrestling, was a pastime or recreational activity held in local communities of Leon. Only men participated in the bout, and there were no specific rules, and time, age, and weight limits. The match was started with a local leader wanting to wrestle with other local representatives. The winner of the match stayed in the corro, waiting for next challengers. The undefeated wrestler until the end of the contest was awarded a prize in kind or cash.
In the 20th century, aluches underwent a period of significant changes, including its sportification and institutionalisation with more standardised rules, players, equipment, etc. |
Transmission
(Policies/institutions) |
There are approximately 400 licensed wrestlers, 15 wrestling schools, and 8 clubs. Women’s participation has been possible since 2007; however, not many female wrestlers have official qualification (Fernandez 2013; Cagide et al. 2019). |
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| Additional Materials |
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| References |
- Cagide, C., Querol, M. A., & González, S. (2019). Análisis de la participación de las mujeres en el patrimonio cultural inmaterial: situación actual, experiencias y perspectivas de futuro. Madrid: Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte. Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España.
- Robles-Tascon, J. & Gutierrez-Garcia, C. (2020). “Lucha Leonesa (Leonese Wrestling)” In Living Heritage Series - Traditional Martial Arts as Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chungju: ICM and ICHCAP. | | |
