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Learn to be a Charra (Mexican cowboy)
Charreria is a culture, tradition, sport, and art practiced in Mexico. A central component of charrería is the charreada. The charreada is a festive event that incorporates equestrian competitions and demonstrations, specific costumes and horse trappings, music, and food.
Following Federación Mexicana de Charrería regulations, male participants called charros compete in roping and riding events and escaramuza teams of women execute daring feats and precision maneuvers while riding sidesaddle. Both a competition and a show at the same time the charreadas do pump the adrenaline of the audience… And it is a musical feast at the same time with the orchestra providing beautiful traditional Mexican music.
If you decide to become a charro/ charra for the first time without getting trained keep in my mind that it is a good idea to keep the ambulanca waiting. But once you get the appropiate training it is real fun!
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Charrería first captured the imagination of Mexico many centuries ago, and it is still a vibrant part of life and culture for many in Mexico and the United States. Charrería was born in the sixteenth century when the first horses arrived with the conquerors. In the big fields of the haciendas agriculture and cattle raising developed and evolved, into the culture of the Mexican charro. By the nineteenth century, people from the large haciendas all over the country organized celebrations in which charros showed their skills and competed against each other.
Escaramuzas and charros, regardless of national boundaries, are passionate about and dedicated to presenting a distinguished display of Mexican culture to the world and to preserving these customs for their young people. Participation in the charreada involves the entire family, whether as equestrians, trainers, costume designers, musicians, or audience members. The elegance and discipline of charreadas provide a framework in which family members and communities can spend time together celebrating their heritage and identity.
SPORTS
Charrería competitions take place during festivities known as charreadas. These events take place in a lienzo or arena where charros compete in teams, showing their ability and skill to perform nine separate competitions or suertes. An opening parade is the start of the charreada, followed by the suertes charras. The first suerte is the cala de caballo in which the rider’s control of the horse is evaluated. The next suerte is called piales en el lienzo and during this event three charros try to rope the hind legs of a horse. The third performance is known as the colas where the charro is required to ride and grab the bull by the tail, pass it under its leg and make a turn to throw the bull. Afterwards comes the jineteo de toros where the charro must ride the bull until it stops bucking. Between the colas and the jineteo is the escaramuza. Women in teams of eight perform this event. They do precise and daring exercises while riding sidesaddle with musical accompaniment.
COSTUMES MEN: CHARROS
There are five different styles of charro suits; the choice of each one depends on the purpose for which it is used: working attire, mid-elegance, elegance, grand elegance, and black tie
COSTUMES WOMEN: CHARRAS
The Adelita is a wide-ruffled dress, tight at the bodice and waist, with tight long sleeves or puffed in the upper part; the skirt is circular to have movement; the length reaches mid-boot. The choice of color and material excludes gold, silver, or shiny cloth, even in the decorations or trimmings. Cotton underskirts with ruffles and white ankle-length undergarments are worn. The hair is pulled back with a bow of ribbon or cloth at the nape of the neck.
Flowers may be used, but should not be the main attraction. Glass or papers beads are excluded. A rebozo is worn over her shoulders or crossed if walking on foot or around the waist when riding, next to the sash of the dress. A plain sombrero is made of felt or palm with leather, bone or small suede decorations.
Mexico Tours
Get a ride in Xochimilco. The Venice of Mexico