Learn the ins and outs of charrería — the Mexican sport that has dazzled the world for centuries.
The iconic outfits, the lively music, the awe-inspiring horsemanship — charrería has influenced mainstream Western fashion, culture, and sports in a variety of ways. But its traditions often find themselves stuck in the shadows. Discover the history behind the charrería traditions, the competitions that brave charros and charras engage in, the renowned outfits, and more.
What Is Charrería?
Glad you asked! Declared the National Sport of Mexico in 1933 by President Abelardo L. Rodríguez, charrería is a cultural tradition celebrating ranching and horsemanship developed in Mexico by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. While the main events of charrería revolve around horse sports, charrería is most well-known for its colorful festivities which include traditional costumes, high-energy live music, and mouth-watering food. Over the centuries, charrería has evolved from its European-inspired roots, establishing itself as a uniquely indigenous Latino experience.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Bud Ellison
Where Did It Come From?
Charrería has deep roots that span multiple centuries. The sport itself developed similarly to traditional American rodeo, pulling from elements of ranch work like. When Spanish settlers made their way to Mexico in the 16th century, they brought with them horses and ranching traditions that would shape Central America.
As large Mexican cattle-raising estates popped up in the 19th century, Mexican cattlemen developed ranching and herding techniques that would eventually serve as the basis for the competition events of charrería. Over time, these displays of horsemanship evolved into a cohesive sport. Haciendas began to incorporate early elements of charrería into their large social gatherings and celebrations, such as herraderos (brandings) and holidays. By the 20th century, charrería had established itself as its own large-scale event, drawing people from miles away to watch charros compete in daring feats of horsemanship.
Charrería’s rise in popularity came to a halt in the 1910s as a result of the Mexican Revolution as many large haciendas divided during the conflict, taking with them the charrería traditions. Charros feared the demise of the tradition, leading to the founding of the Asociación Nacional de Charros in 1921 to keep charrería alive. In 1933, the Federación Nacional de Charros was founded to further organize and preserve the charrería tradition that had become so beloved in both Mexico and the United States.
Today, charrería is alive and well, bringing thousands of spectators to Mexico and Texas each year.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Angel Reynoso
What Are The Events?
The charrería tradition consists of ten activities, or suertes, for charros and charras to take part in — specifically, nine men’s events and one women’s event. These events fall under the umbrella of the Charreada, a celebration not unlike the traditional American rodeo.
After filling up on food, drink, and festivities, spectators make their way into the arena for the first Charreada event — Desfile de Charro (Charro Parade). During this opening ceremony, charros parade their horses around the arena to a patriotic Mexican song. They salute the judges and acknowledge the spectators. It is during this time that the dazzling traditional outfits of the charros and charras are on full display for the crowd to awe at. Once the procession ends, it is time for the athletes to ready for competition.
Piales en Lienzo (Roping of the Feet)
A test of accuracy and speed, this event requires the charro to lasso a mare by the hind legs and wrap the end of the rope around the saddle horn in order to stop the mare in her tracks. The charro is given three chances to successfully stop the horse’s movement and is scored based on the distance the mare is able to run before coming to a complete stop.
Coleadero (Arena Bull Tailing)
During this event, the charro must catch a running bull by its tail and pull it to the ground. A bull is released from the gate, taking off at full speed. The charro must ride alongside it and reach for the bull’s tail while still on horseback, pulling it to the ground within a distance of 60 meters in order to make their mark on the scoreboard.
Cala de Caballo (Test of the Horses)
Similar to reining competitions often found at American rodeo events such as the American Performance Horseman, this event is an opportunity for the charro and his horse to strut their stuff by demonstrating various movements such as the controlled slide, mounts and dismounts, reserve walks, and half, full, and triple turns.
Jineteo de Toro (Bull Riding)
Fans of American rodeo will recognize this iconic event. During the Jineteo de Toro, the charro mounts a bull in a bucking chute outside of the ring. Once the charro is secured on the back of the bull, the two explode onto the ring in a frenzy of bucking and flailing. The charro’s job is quite simply to hold on for dear life until the bull stops bucking.
Jineteo de Yegua (Mare Riding)
Akin to bronc riding, brave charros mount an untrained mare and the two are released from the bucking chute and into the arena. The charro must remain on the bucking mare, typically holding onto the mane, until the mare stops bucking.
La Terna en el Ruedo (Team of Three)
Similar to team roping, this event sees three charros working together to to rope a bull. In order to succeed in this challenge, one charro must lasso the bull’s head while the other two lasso each of the bull’s back feet, bringing the bull to a complete stop.
Manganas a Pie (Roping on Foot)
A true test of physical strength and agility, this challenge gives the charro three opportunities to rope a wild mare by its front legs, cause it to fall, and roll once. The big catch: The charro is on foot. Points are rewarded for timing as well as rope tricks that the charro might perform while roping the mare.
Manganas a Cabello (Roping from Horseback)
This event challenges the charro to lasso a mare on horseback within a time limit. The charro achieves this by throwing a lariat on the ground and trapping the mare’s front feet as three other horsemen chase the mare across the arena.
Paso de la Muerte (The Pass of Death)
A riveting display of courage and agility, in this event the charro attempts to leap from his reined horse to the bare back of a wild horse without reins. Once the charro achieves this first feat, he must then ride the wild horse until it stops bucking. Points are awarded for the jump from one horse to another and for the amount of time the charro remains on the horse.
Escaramuza (Skirmish)
The only event in the Charreada that women typically compete in, the escaramuza adds elegance and grace into the mix of traditionally gritty events. A team of eight to twelve charras ride sidesaddle. Dressed in refined Adelita dresses, they perform a variety of precision riding techniques, showcasing years of training and skill. While the horseback skills are top priority for competitors, attire and appearance are also a large aspect of the event.
Paola Pimienta, the U.S. National Queen and Ambassador for charrería, gives a full breakdown of the escaramuza event. Learn more about the ins and outs of this classic event here.
What Is The Attire?
While the athletic ability of the charros and charras is a sight to behold, the clothing worn by participants is oftentimes the most breathtaking element of the Charreada. While the tradition is originally inspired by colonial Spanish culture, many of the outfits worn reflect deep indigenous Mexican roots alongside Spanish influences.
Different events and functions within the charrería culture call for different outfits with varying degrees of formality. While some outfits — such as the Etiquette Suit — are not meant to be worn on horseback, others — such as the Work Suit — are distinctly meant to be worn on horseback.
The charro outfits can be defined by their level of formality. While the Semi-Gala Suit and Gala Suit are meant to be worn on horseback during formal occasions such as parades and include adornments such as beadwork and silver buttons, the Work Suit is simpler and sturdier, making it better for practical work purposes. The Grand Gala Suit is the most adorned suit that a charro may wear on horseback. It includes mesmerizing intricacies within the fabric, stitching, and beading.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Women within the charrería tradition have two major distinct outfits — one worn in competition and the other worn at social events. Most recognizable of the two attires is the China Poblana Dress, which is worn at social gatherings. Harking back to 19th century traditional Mexican style, the China Poblana Dress often consists of a white blouse, a skirt called a castor (beavor) decorated with sequins that formed decorative shapes, and oftentimes a shawl.
Perhaps the most spectacular outfit showcased within charrería is the Adelita Dress. Worn by the charras competing in the escaramuza event, the Adelita Dress consists of a wide-ruffled dress with a circular skirt that falls to mid-boot. Escaramuzas adhere to strict dress codes while competing, with dresses requiring a minimum of 10 centimeters of frill sewn into the lower part of the skirt. Other essentials of this outfit include the sash, the Jalisco style boots, and a soyate hat. The Adelita received its moniker from the Soladeras, the women who acted as military support during the Mexican Revolution.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Angel Reynoso
Where Can I Find Charrería?
While Charrería originated in Mexico, it can be found across North and Central America. The culturally diverse Texas city of San Antonio hosts a variety of charrería events each year, bringing those deeply entrenched in the charrería culture and curious observers together for a celebration of color and tradition.
More Resources:
- C&I’s feature on Paola Pimienta, “A Sport Fit For A Queen With Paola Pimienta”
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s exhibit educational guide, “Arte en la Charrería”
- American Quarter Horse Association's charrería guide, “Nacidos Charros: Born Charro - Rules”
- C&I’s interview with Mexican charrería painter Gladys Roldan-de-Moras, “Art Gallery: Gladys Roldan-de-Moras”
