13 May ‘Book Fight’: Lucha Libro Pro Wrestling Debuts at Pittsburg Library

Lucha Libro uses wrestling events to promote youth literacy.

Story and photos by Denis Perez-Bravo

The front parking lot of the Pittsburg Library transformed into a wrestling arena over the weekend as it hosted its first ever Lucha Libro event, drawing families, passersby and wrestling fans, all in the name of youth literacy.

“Lucha Libro” literally means “book fight” and is patterned after lucha libre wrestling with a literary twist. Saturday’s event, organized by City Fights Pro and titled “Page One Pittsburg,” featured professional wrestlers performing outside for excited children, who received free books and masks, and their families. Other Lucha Libro events have been held around Northern California.

“The community was very excited. They did not expect to come to the library, get books, and get in a free event today,” said Maribel Lopez, one of the event planners. “Especially the little ones. They don’t usually get exposed to these sorts of events.”

The wrestling showcase coincided with comic book week at the library, with staff distributing themed reading materials to attendees as well as Lucha Libre masks.

Lopez said the library hopes to organize similar events in the future, partly to remind residents about the free resources available. For any inquiries about immigration, parental resources, job searches or other questions, the library can be a place to start.

“We would like everybody to know that there is a Pittsburg library, that everybody is welcome to come. Everything is completely free here,” she said.

Gerardo Rocha, owner of Ethos Pro Wrestling, viewed the inaugural Lucha Libro in Pittsburg as a win.

“For me, it was a grand success. It’s the first event we did here in Pittsburg. That’s why we called it Page One Pittsburg,” Rocha said. “I love hearing the kids go crazy. I love hearing the kids have fun.”

The fight card kicked off with an action-packed four-way match between JT Thorne, TJ Black, Fabuloso Fabricio and Drop Kick, who made his Lucha Libro debut. Following this opening bout, Marco and Dreamy Drew faced off head-to-head, before a thrilling triple threat match pitted Nasty Brandon against Phil Hobson and Andrew Cass.

As the excitement built, heavyweights Elliot Rey and Alex Ace clashed in a co-main event.

The day culminated with the main attraction — an energetic showdown between “La Maravilla Mystica” El Mago and “The Crazy Cajun” Jiah Jewell.

Sal Gallardo, 43, traveled from Concord with his son for the event.

“This is my son’s first show that he actually kind of got to really, like, watch and had a good time,” said Gallardo, a wrestling enthusiast who has even refereed some matches.

He was accompanied by his friend Chino Gambino, a 31-year-old Pittsburg resident and his family. Gambino, who has participated in wrestling matches himself, appreciates the positive effect these events have on the community.

“I think it brings a positive to the community. We need to bring back the community and build up the community,” Gambino said.

With the Pittsburg debut complete and the first page of the Pittsburg series written, the Lucha Libro saga continues its tour throughout Bay Area libraries, with Benicia next on the schedule, followed by Monterey and Vallejo.

For more information on upcoming events or to learn how to bring wrestling to your local library, visit EthosProWrestling.com.