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Charros

Charros, or traditional horsemen from Mexico, dating back to long before they became an emblem of Hispanic cowboy culture. What started as everyday ranch work grew into a sporting competition, and one of the most widely celebrated elements of Hispanic heritage and culture. Charros have been the inspiration behind elements of today’s American rodeo (skilled roping and riding).

Looking into Hispanic ranching history, charros date back to the 1500s, when horses and cattle were introduced to the Spaniards as they arrived in North America. Mexican ranch hands, or vaqueros, took care of cattle and grew to be skilled with horses and roping.

Around the 1600s, the many vaqueros from properties (or haciendas) around Mexico began competing against each other. Over hundreds of years, these gatherings grew in popularity and evolved into competitions, known as charreadas. Today these competitions are where charros compete in a variety of events highlighting their skills and artistic talent as ropers and riders.

Talk to any individual within the charro community, and they will likely all tell you the same thing, it’s in their blood. The Hispanic community itself is very family-oriented, so it’s also an opportunity for us to celebrate our ancestors and all the struggles we’ve had.”

Charrería, or the sport itself in which the charros compete, isn’t just reserved for men. Their female equestrian counterparts, known as charras, also compete in charreadas. In their event, groups of eight ride precisely and synchronously while performing choreography to music.

Before every competition, both charros and escaramuzas take their hats off for a prayer as the mariachi plays the second national anthem. After La Marcha de Zacatecas concludes, the competition has commenced. The events have many rules and regulations that go beyond athletics and skillset. Competitors must wear traditional charro clothing (suits for men, skirts for women) which is typically adorned with beautiful embroidery and silver studs.

Teaching our kids horsemanship at a young age is important so they learn the responsibility, discipline they need to care for their horses, and elegance in regard to how they handle their horses.

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It’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate our traditions and our beliefs, there’s a lot of richness in what we do

Esteban Escobedo