Mexican Rodeo: Charreada

Ranching and rodeo are themes that translate across multiple languages and cultures, with each respective group of people adding their own history and traditions to the way they carry out their duties or performance.

 The cowboy tradition has deep foundations in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Stories of Spanish vaqueros permeate the legends of the Old West and even today continue to influence horse training methods, tack, and apparel in western culture.

  With their geographic proximity, Mexico and the United States have shared a greater cultural exchange than the U.S. and Spain, and Mexican rodeo competitions, known as Charreadas, part of the larger Charrería sport, have popped up nationwide in America. In fact, these traditions are so valued that  Charrería is listed as the National Sport of Mexico and is protected via UNESCO through its additional listing as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

  Charreadas are fan favorites with their colorful costumes and unique displays of cow horse abilities. While the principles of herd work and cow horse finesse remain the same, the events used to display these abilities differ from traditional American rodeo, as does the tack and apparel worn by the competitors.

  Generally, two or more teams of cowboys, or charros, compete against each other at a single event. This mirrors the historical happening of competing against neighboring ranches or haciendas. There are nine events that occur in a specific order for competitors to enter.

   There is normally a representative group of women from each ranch or team known as the escaramuzas.This eight woman team wears beautiful, elaborate dresses that reflect traditional cultural apparel and ride side saddle. They then perform elaborate patterns at high speeds, similar to a drill team. Synchronization is highly valued in these displays and the women are considered valued competitors and part of the team just like the men.

  Their male counterparts compete in meticulous performances as well. These events can include puntas or horse drifting, where horses slide long distances and are evaluated by judges like they would be in reining. The minimum distance the horse is expected to slide is 19.5 feet. This impressive display is always awe-inspiring as this horses show just how versatile they truly are.

   Other events, like bull riding have a familiar feel, whereas some take a rodeo event and elevate it. For example, it’s common to have roping a horse rather than a steer as an event. When dallying in moments like this sometimes the saddle horn will smoke due to the intense friction and ensuing heat, adding to the entertainment value of the moment.

    These events are not only fun to watch and participate in, but they preserve a part of Mexican culture and heritage that needs to be passed on to the next generation. Many of the rules and rituals associated with the event are a nod to the way things used to be on big ranches throughout Mexico. It’s like oral storytelling in motion, although you can trust there is also plenty of verbal storytelling going on outside the arena.