Coleadero (1911) by Ernesto Icaza SánchezMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
Windows of art
Art is a window onto different worlds that show us the essence and spirit of different cultures. With these windows onto charrería, we can admire one of Mexico's most beautiful traditions.
Gallantry, bravery, and honor
The essence of this sport lies in the charros and escaramuzas, men and women who perform heroic feats together with their faithful horses to delight and amaze.
Colea in the open field (1850/1900) by Manuel SerranoMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
A centuries-old tradition
The equestrian art of the charros and escaramuzas has its roots in New Spain, when Viceroy Luis de Tovar allowed 22 Indians to ride horses to care for and herd over 100,000 head of cattle at the Santa Lucía hacienda, in what is now the state of Hidalgo.
Rodeo (1918) by Ernesto Icaza SánchezMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
Presidential decoration
September 14 was recognized as 'Charro Day' thanks to the decision of President Manuel Ávila Camacho, who also declared charrería the national sport of Mexico.
Gallop by gallop
Despite its rural roots, charrería today takes place in large arenas called Lienzos Charros (Charro Canvases), where its stories are told before an expectant audience.
A charro is not a charro without his hat
A charro would not be complete without his attire, which has been an inspiration for writers, poets, and painters. Without a doubt, the charro outfit is part of the essence of Mexico.
Rodeo (1918) by Ernesto Icaza SánchezMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
Charros can wear three outfits depending on the occasion: work attire with a palm hat and no adornments, semi-formal attire with a felt hat and elegant tie, or formal attire with a decorated hat and silver or gold buttons.
Colea in the open field (1850/1900) by Manuel SerranoMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
The nine skills of charrería
Charros participate in nine skills or competitions that showcase their mastery with the rope and animals, companionship with their horse, and their ability as riders.
What legends are made of
The most impressive skill in charrería is the legendary 'paso de la muerte' ('leap of death'). With astonishing ability, the charro leaps from one galloping horse to another, demonstrating his bravery and skill.
Charra (1940) by Héctor Ladrón de GuevaraMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
The charras
The 10th skill is an essential element in any competition. The escaramuzas are an opportunity for eight charras to showcase their riding skills with precise crosses and turns to the rhythm of the music.
Color and tradition
Unlike the charros' sober-colored attire, the charras wear colorful dresses in the escaramuzas.
Conchita Cintron (1956) by Antonio NavarreteMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
Riders in the ring
Charrería is not the only sport in Mexico where you can show off your skills as a rider. Some demonstrate their prowess in bullfighting.
The Blonde Goddess of Bullfighting
Conchita Cintrón's fame as a legendary rider and rejoneadora (bullfighter on horseback) was highlighted by the talented painter Antonio Navarrete, who immortalized her with a tribute in this painting.
Coleadero (1911) by Ernesto Icaza SánchezMuseo Soumaya.Fundación Carlos Slim
The legacy of charrería: Adventure and courage
"It is said that, at the moment of placing the foot in the first stirrup, one touches the most important step to reach heaven, thus shortening the distance between this world and that of eternity."
This story was created with information and images from Museo Soumaya.
