© Getty Images

What is charrería? -

'Charrería is a centuries-old Mexican cultural tradition with Spanish heritage.

© Public Domain

Origins -

Evolving from the cattle herding traditions created in the 16th century, when horses were introduced in Mexico by the Spanish, charrería is essentially a discipline that emerged from equestrian activities and livestock traditions used in the haciendas of New Spain, one of several domains established during the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

© Public Domain

Preserving national culture -

Following the Mexican Revolution and Land Reform (the changing of laws, regulations, and customs regarding land ownership), the charrería tradition was in danger of disappearing. That's when charros, horsemen from the haciendas, began to congregate in cities such as Mexico City and other centers and united to form various associations to preserve and promote this national culture.

© Public Domain

The charrería festival -

The charrería is a festive event that is similar to an American rodeo in its variety of competitive equestrian activities involving horses and other livestock.

© Getty Images

Mexico's national sport -

In fact, it is Mexico's national sport. And like rodeo culture north of the border, charrería extends beyond horses and riders to include aspects such as costume, music, and food.

© Getty Images

A nationwide tradition -

Today, long-established charrería associations and schools are active in upholding the tradition and promoting the sport nationwide.

© Getty Images

Recognized by UNESCO -

In 2016, charrería was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

© Getty Images

The opening ceremony -

The charrería typically begins with an opening ceremony, a colorful and vibrant affair where charros parade their horses around the arena to salute the judge and spectators. Among those also in the saddle are charras, female riders.

© Getty Images

Music and dance -

The procession is often accompanied by a band playing the 'Zacatecas March,' a patriotic Mexican song that also serves as the regional anthem of the Mexican state of Zacatecas.

© Getty Images

The venue -

The festival takes place in an arena known as a lienzo charro. These are specifically designed facilities for the practice of horse riding.

© Getty Images

American Quarter Horse -

Traditionally, the ideal breed of horse for charrería is the American Quarter (pictured), which excels at sprinting short distances. Another outstanding breed for charrería events is the Azteca Horse.

© Getty Images

Charro working uniform -

The working uniform of a charro comprises a buttoned-up shirt, bow, pants, and straw sombrero. Decorative flourishes add a touch of individualism to the outfit.

© Getty Images

Charro grand gala uniform -

But competing in a charrería affords a charro the opportunity to dress in a grand gala uniform. This colorful and mostly layered apparel made from fine cashmere is topped by a felt sombrero embellished with silver and gold embroidery.

© Getty Images

The charra costume -

The china poblam outfit worn by charras embody Mexico's Puebla heritage. A decorative low-cut blouse with short sleeves is complemented by a cloth or flannel skirt with three ruffles. A shawl is worn around the waist. The uniform is crowned by a felt hat embroidered with gold or silver thread.

© Getty Images

What takes place at a charrería event? -

The main event of the charrería is a program that consists of various activities called suertes for both men and women. Overall, there are nine men's competitions and one women's competition.

© Getty Images

Roping from horseback -

Among these is the manganas a cabello, or roping from horseback. The challenge is for a single charro on horseback to lasso a mare within a time limit while three other charros chase the animal around the ring.

© Getty Images

Test of the horse -

The cala de caballo, or test of the horse, sees the charro put his mount through various commands to demonstrate his ability and the horse's training.

© Getty Images

Mare riding -

Jineteo de yegua, or mare riding, challenges a charro to make every effort to stay mounted on an untrained mare until it ceases bucking. It's bronco bucking, Mexican style.

© Getty Images

Bull tailing -

A true demonstration of courage and style, coleadro, or bull tailing, requires the rider to grab a running bull by its tail and pull it to the ground. The animal is then released unharmed.

© Getty Images

The pass of death -

One of the most eagerly awaited events is the paso de la muerte—the pass of death. This challenge consists of a charro riding bareback with reins attempting to leap from his own horse to the bare back of a loose, unbroken horse without reins and ride it until it stops galloping. One mistake can see the rider fall under the animal and be trampled by the other three riders who herd the mare.

© Getty Images

The skirmish -

The only competitive event in which women traditionally participate is called escaramuza, the skirmish.

© Getty Images

Escaramuza charra -

The women who practice this sport are called charras, and the event itself is called escaramuza charra.

© Getty Images

Sidesaddle pose -

Dressed in adelita (female soldier) styled china poblana outfits, members of an escaramuzas team sit sidesaddle for the competition.

© Getty Images

Elegantly attired -

Materials including velvet, cotton, and lace serve to highlight the elegant cut of the attire worn by an escaramuza charra. Matching accessories add fashionable luster.

© Getty Images

Team spirit -

An escaramuza charra team consists of 16 women, but only eight ride at a time. The presentation consists of 12 routines.

© Getty Images

The horse slide -

Many exercises are carried out at high speed, for example the signature cala de caballo, or horse slide. The charra makes her horse gallop at full speed and then stops it abruptly by sliding the animal on its rear legs. The competitor who leaves the longest slide marks in the marked area without going over the limit gets the most points. This is a competition also undertaken by charros.

© Shutterstock

Promoting charrería -

The Federación Mexicana de Charrería (Mexican Federation of Charrería) regulates charrería events in Mexico. It was originally chartered in 1933 in Mexico City as the Federación Nacional de Charros (National Federation of Charros) to unify all the various charro organizations throughout the country.

© Getty Images

A new generation -

Today, children maintain the charrería tradition as the sport's next generation of competitors by enrolling in schools such as the Charrería Sports Academy Caballito de Palo in Ameca, Jalisco state. Youngsters learn the artisanship of Mexican equestrian culture by practicing using wooden horses.

© Getty Images

International Charro and Charrería Day -

And every year on September 14, Mexico celebrates International Charro and Charrería Day. The occasion is also marked in various communities on the other side of the Rio Grande in the United States. Various international charro championships are also held throughout Mexico and the southern United States, places like Brownsville, Texas. 

Sources: (UNESCO) (National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum) (Museo de la Charrería)

See also: Hidden attractions of South and Central America

© Getty Images