Charreada
Charreada
is similar to American rodeo with competitive equestrian activities. While the origins of the charrer�a, or charreada, is unknown, it stems from customs brought over from Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish colonized the New World from 1492-1898 and during this time, many of their traditions and practices influenced Mexican culture. The charro, or horsemen and cattle herders, blended many Spanish practices, mainly ranching and with it an equestrian culture, with Mexican traditions, specifically art. The labor-intensive work of ranching became competitions where the charros could show-off individual skills. These competitions eventually became large-scaled events: charreada. This equestrian style was named the national sport of Mexico in 1932 by President Abelardo Rodriguez.
Charreadas are made up of ten events. Out of those ten, there is only one that women can participate in: escaramuza, an equestrian ballet. The charrer�a events are:
- Desfile de Charro (Charro Parade) The charreada begins with an opening ceremony, during which the charros parade their horses around the arena to salute the judge and spectators. The procession is usually accompanied by a band playing the "Zacatecas March," a patriotic Mexican song.
- La Cala de Caballo (Test of the Horse) The charro puts his horse through various exercises to demonstrate his ability to command the animal, as well as to display the horse's own training and talents. Movements such as: a controlled slide; half, full, and triple turns; mount and dismount; and reverse walk are performed.
- Piales en el Lienzo (Roping of the Feet) This suerte consists of lassoing a mare by the hind legs and wrapping the end of the rope around the saddlehorn to completely stop the animal. The rider has three chances to successfully stop the horse's movement.
- El Coleadero (Arena Bull Tailing) This challenge consists of catching a bull by its tail and pulling it to the ground. The bull is released from the gate and the charro rides alongside at full gallop. In order to score points, he must grab the bull's tail, wrap it around his leg and bring it to the ground within a distance of 60 meters.
- Escaramuza (Skirmish) The only competitive event in which women traditionally participate, the Escaramuza is a suerte in which a team of charras ride side-saddle and execute intricate equestrian exercises at a full gallop. Performed to music, the Escaramuza provides a colorful and exciting show.
- Jineteo de Toro (Bull Riding) This challenge begins with a charro mounting a bull in a closed box outside of the ring. Once the bull is released into the ring, the charro attempts to remain mounted on the bull until it stops bucking.
- La Terna en el Ruedo (Team of Three)Three charros work together in the ring in an attempt to rope a bull in this challenge. In order to succeed, one charro must lasso the head while the other two lasso the feet. The goal is to bring the bull completely to the ground.
- Jineteo de Yegua (Mare Riding) In this challenge a charro makes every effort to stay mounted on an untrained mare until it ceases bucking. A charro achieves this typically by holding on to the mane of the horse, or a rope.
- Manganas a Pie (Roping on Foot) In this challenge, a charro on foot has three opportunities to rope a wild mare by its front legs and cause it to fall and roll once. The wild mare is herded around the ring by three other mounted charros.
- Manganas a Caballo (Roping from Horseback) The object of this challenge is for a single charro on horseback to lasso a mare in under eight minutes. While three other charros chase the mare around the ring, the competing charro throws his lariat to form a loop on the ground for trapping the animal's front feet.
- El Paso de la Muerte (The Pass of Death) In this challenge a charro riding bareback, but with reins, attempts to leap from his horse to the bare back of an unbridled wild horse. The objective is to remain on the horse's back until it stops bucking, and then dismount gracefully without assistance.
While the charrer�a tradition, itself may have come from Spain, the most beautiful part of culture comes from Mexican history. The artisan craftsmanship and designs that are distinctive to the charro are featured in the leatherwork, costumes, textiles, silver, and iron work. Artisans still use techniques passed down by their ancestors without the rush of mass-production. These techniques can be seen throughout Arte en la Charrer�a. The spurs, saddles and clothing show a beautiful attention to detail. When you visit Arte en la Charrer�a you will be immersed in a festive culture celebrating the horse, Mexican history, and artisanship. Time is running out and soon the charreada will move on. Come and celebrate with us a unique heritage during its final weekend, now through November 2, 2014.
|