Exploring Charreria: Mexico’s National Sport

While people in the United States are familiar with the tradition of rodeo, Mexico has a different tradition. The sport is called Charreria, and it takes place every Sunday throughout the country.

What is Charreria?

Essentially a Mexican version of rodeo, a Charreada features men and women wearing colorful, unique Mexican cowboy outfits, trimmed in bright ribbon and dotted with leather and silver accents. During one of these unique events, Mexican cowboys compete in several horse-and-livestock-centered events, ranging from roping to dancing with their horses.

The tradition of Charreria dates back to the 16th century, when Spain settled Mexico and, eventually, enlisted Mexican citizens to ride horses and help them manage their expanding herds of cattle throughout the country.

Charreria Events

Like the tradition of rodeo in the U.S., Charreria includes many events that have their roots in the hard-working culture of cattlemen (vaqueros) and ranchers (rancheros). Events include coleadero, which gave birth to steer wrestling in the U.S. Unlike the U.S. version of the sport however, the rider does not leap from his horse to wrestle the steer to the ground. Instead, the rider will grab the steer’s tail from his horse and wrap it around his leg in an attempt to flip the animal to the ground.

Another notable event of the Charreria is called Piales en Lienzo, where a rider gallops behind a horse running full-speed, ropes its hind legs, and stops quickly. There is also the thrill-seeking Jineto de Toro, which is like American bull riding, except that the rider completes the ride two-handed, waits until the bull stops bucking, and then dismounts on his own volition.

Charreria’s Significance in Mexican Culture

After the settlement of Mexico by the Spaniards, horses, cattle, and vaquero events became an important part of the country’s culture and heritage. Initially, the events within Charreria evolved as a way for workers on Mexico’s haciendas to display their skills and outdo one another at the end of the work day. After the haciendas dissolved in the wake of the Mexican Revolution, the events that vaqueros had been competing in informally began to take on a new life.

While the Charreria began as a testament to the skill of the vaqueros and their horses, it has since evolved into a proud event that allows modern-day Mexican citizens to connect with their roots and pay homage to the culture and history of their cattle-working ancestors.

Known for being more artistic and beautiful than American rodeo, Charreria is an astounding display of skill that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Benito’s Mexican Culture & Heritage

Benito’s Authentic Mexican Food offers traditional Mexican cuisine and culture in Fort Worth, Texas. We’re here to honor and keep alive the most colorful and exciting traditions of Mexico. Learn more at BenitosMexican.com.