Masks are an important part of Lucha Libre. They have been used since the beginnings of the sport.
The early masks were basic, but they have grown into the elaborate ones we know today.
Almost all luchadores in Mexico start their careers wearing masks, but over the span of their careers a large number of them will be unmasked.
Often, a retiring wrestler will be unmasked in his final match or at the beginning of a final tour, signifying loss of identity as that character.
Sometimes, losing the mask marks the end of a gimmick, with the wrestler moving on to a new gimmick and masked identity.
Fully removing an opponent's mask during a match is grounds for disqualification.
Some luchadores, like Mil Mascaras (Man of a Thousand Masks), El Santo and Blue Demon, will/were often seen in public wearing their masks.
El Santo was buried wearing his silver mask.
Luchadoras often wear masks as well.
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