Before Texas cowboys roamed the range in the 1800s, skilled horsemen in Mexico—or charros—lived and worked in haciendas (large rural estates) as far back as the Spanish colonization of the 1500s. Inevitably, rivalries between haciendas led to competitions, or charrería, which evolved into the national sport of Mexico.
“Charrería, generally considered to be forerunner of the American rodeo, originated in the management of livestock in the haciendas during the time of colonization,” says Agustin Cervantes of the Asociación de Charro de San Antonio (San Antonio Charro Association). “Charrería and horses go hand in hand since all events involve horses, one way or another. Horses are considered charros’ best friends.”
Scenes from a Mexican-style rodeo, or Charreria, at “A Day in Old Mexico,” part of the annual, monthlong Fiesta celebration in San Antonio, Texas | All Photos Courtesy Carol M. Highsmith Archive Library of Congress
The San Antonio Asociación, the first licensed charros organization in the U. S., began in 1947 with a handful of charros who wanted to preserve the culture of Mexican charrería in this country. “Our mission is to continue our traditions and pass them along to the next generation here in the United States,” Cervantes explains. “Also, we want to hold charrería events so people can watch and get to know our culture.”
The Asociación numbers approximately 40 members ranging in age from 16 to almost 90. Its home, or lienzo, is a 2,800-seat arena in South San Antonio, scene of approximately a dozen charreadas annually. Most prominent is “A Day in Old Mexico” that’s staged in April during the city-wide Fiesta San Antonio celebration. In addition to displays of horsemanship, it features mariachi music and folklorico dancing.
Ironically, the word charro literally means “tawdry,” a derogatory term applied to country people that’s synonymous with bumpkin, yokel, or hick. Over time, the term went from an adjective with a negative connotation to a noun meaning “great horseman.”
Seeing charros in action during a charreada like the colorful and exciting “A Day in Old Mexico” confirms the more-modern definition of talented rider on horseback. They demonstrate their expertise in nine events, or suertas charras, that showcase abilities such as team roping, bull and bronco riding, and lassoing.
Scenes from a Mexican-style rodeo, or Charreria, at “A Day in Old Mexico,” part of the annual, monthlong Fiesta celebration in San Antonio, Texas | All Photos Courtesy Carol M. Highsmith Archive Library of Congress
Lady riders compete in escaramuza charra, the only women’s event in charrería. It’s a team sport in which eight charras riding side-saddle in broad sombreros and flowing, embroidered dresses execute intricate, kaleidoscopic maneuvers atop thousand-pound mounts. It’s akin to synchronized swimming on land at a brisk pace, taking care to avoid collisions.
Escaramuza means “skirmish” and refers to brave women riders, or adelitas, who during the Mexican Revolution rode in circles to kick up dust and thus help thwart oncoming enemies. Like their male counterparts, they practice year-round for charrería competitions.
“We are part of Federación Mexicana de Charrería,” Cervantes says, “and we have two teams that compete not only in our lienzo but also travel to competitions all over the U. S. and Mexico.”
Licensure by the Federación is required to participate in sanctioned competitions. However, the San Antonio teams also compete against teams representing unaffiliated charro organizations across Texas in cities such as Brownsville, El Paso, Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Although charrería is centuries-old, it continues to elicit worldwide recognition. For instance, in 2016, UNESCO added charrería to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural History of Humanity.
“Whenever we host an event, we love it when our guests leave with smiles on their faces,” Cervantes says, “gaining some knowledge of who we are” as equestrians extraordinaire.
