Charrería is a traditional practice that emerged among Mexico's cattle-raising communities in the 16th century. Initially, it was used to facilitate coexistence among the herders who managed cattle on different ranches. Later, the techniques were passed down to younger generations within families, and over time, charrería moved from the countryside to the city. Since then, it has become widely popular, allowing it to grow by reaching large populations.

Today, charrería associations and schools created specifically for this purpose contribute to the ongoing transmission of the tradition, also considered a sport, by training community members, even to the level of competition. Public performances of various categories of charrería (charreadas) offer spectators the opportunity to observe herding skills, such as lassoing and controlling wild mares and bulls.

Trained cowboys demonstrate their skills on foot or on horseback, dressed in traditional costumes that include a wide-brimmed hat for charros and a colorful shawl for charras. The costumes, as well as the equipment needed for the practice, such as saddles and spurs, are designed and produced by local artisans, constituting additional components of the traditional practice.

Charrería is considered an important aspect of the identity of the communities of bearers and their cultural heritage. Practitioners also see the tradition as a way to transmit important social values, such as respect and equality among people in the community, to younger generations. It is presented in various Lienzos Charros and Rodeos, both in Mexico City and in the interior of the country. In these spaces, training sessions, competitions, and public charreadas are held, in which the traditional nine events are performed, demonstrating the skill of the charro.

The 9 Skills of Charrería

1. Horse Breeding
2. Piales en el Lienzo (Lassoing on the Canvas)
3. Coleadero (Bull Riding)
4. Bull Riding
5. Terna en el Ruedo (Bull Riding)
6. Mare Riding
7. (Lassoing on Foot
8. Lassoing on Horseback
9. Death Pass

Charro clothing

The charro is distinguished by his traditional costume, which includes:

• Wide-brimmed hat (Andalusian, “De piloncillo,” 4 Pedradas)
• Chaps
• One-piece boot
• Piteado, calado, or cincelado belts
• “Pachuqueña”

Types of costumes:

• Work
• Half Gala
• Gala
• Etiquette

They are complemented with lechuguilla or ixtle ropes, the best of which come from San Miguel Cuautitlán, Jalisco.

The Horse in Charrería

Common breeds:

• Creole
• Quarter Horse

Chair used: Saddle

Women in Charrería: The Escaramuza

The skirmish is the female participation, and their attire includes:

• Adelita, China Poblana, or Charra dress (suede)
• Rebozo (X-shaped or long)
• Charro hat with four stones
• Calzonera
• One-piece ankle boots

Origins of the Charro Costume

It comes from the chinacos, guerrilla fighters who fought in the War of Intervention in 1847. Later, during the Empire of Maximilian, influences from English riding and traditional Mexican dress were mixed together. The first recognized charro was Ponciano Díaz Salinas, cousin of Porfirio Díaz.