Charrería, the Quintessential National Sport

A look at the gallantry, bravery, and honor of charros and charras

Charros performing “piales” (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Early origins

The origins of charrería in Mexico date back to the distant years of the colonial era. As is well-known, horses were introduced to our territory in the 16th century with the arrival of Europeans.

Practice of "luck" (1935)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

“The Mexican Charro”

“With my embroidered hat and my flamed suit,
My gold buttons, my Amozoc spurs,
My silver cheekpiece, my nickel-plated pistol,
And without reproach or disdain, I am noble tradition."

Manuel Esperón and Ernesto Cortázar

The Post-Conquest prohibition

Once the war of the Spanish conquest ended, indigenous people were prohibited from riding horses due to the authorities' belief that it posed a danger, fearing the people could rebel using horses.

Charro mounted on horse (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Use of horses in New Spain

From the 16th century, despite the ban imposed on the natives of New Spain, it became possible for them to ride horses and perform tasks taming cattle and horses, thanks to some religious people who acquired these animals and allowed their use.

Petra champion of charro horses (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The use of horses spread in various regions of the viceroyalty over three centuries, mainly on haciendas. By the time Miguel Hidalgo gave the Cry of Dolores that triggered the Mexican War of Independence at the beginning of the 19th century, horses were already part of everyday life.

Oath of a group of charros (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

A milestone in charrería history

On June 4, 1921, in the centenary year of achieving independence, the National Association of Charros was established, marking the beginning of the institutional history of charrería. It contributed to turning charrería into a recreational activity.

Charros Group (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

What year do you think the Jalisco Charro Association came into being?

A) 2010
B) 1920
C) 1880

The correct answer is B. The Jalisco Charro Association was created in the 20th century.

Lic. Cuéllar, flag bearer of the charros (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The National Sport

During the constitutional presidency of General Manuel Ávila Camacho, charrería in Mexico was recognized and designated as the 'National Sport'.

"I am the Mexican charro, noble, brave and loyal,
Always a brother to his people.
I am the charro who fills his soul with love,
For the brunette virgin, for his country and his god"

Charreria de la Viga Union (1936)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The Day of the Charro

September 14 was established as the 'National Day of the Charro in Mexico' by a decree of then-President Abelardo L. Rodríguez in 1934. This designation represented recognition for all those who identify as charros.

"I wear a silk tie, that entangles my neck
With the sacred colors of my tricolor flag"

Jarabe Tapatio (1946)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The birth of an identity

According to the historian Tania Carreño King: "From the 1920s and with greater emphasis in the 1930s, there appeared the figure of the charro, whether accompanied by his china poblana dancing a jarabe tapatío or as a solitary image, an emblem of his bravado and machismo."

Veracruz dance (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

The Mexican image

Charrería positioned itself as one of the preferred stereotypes to represent 'the Mexican', superseding other regional manifestations like the jarocho, the huasteco, and the norteño, among others.

"A singing guitar, to sing to the one adored
By this charro in love, Mexican by nation"

Horse riding on lienzo (1930)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

A brave charro

"The Charro is defined as the rider, not necessarily from the countryside, who performs skills typical of charrería with the purpose of showing off and competing, and who acquires, through sporting practice, skill, dexterity and perfection in executing them."

Escaramuza charras in parade (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

World Heritage

Charrería was consecrated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2016. This recognition highlights its appeal and immense value in our culture. It is an honor and a legacy that perpetuates the importance of this beautiful equestrian art.

Zacatecas Agricultural Exhibition (1930)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Cultural inspiration

Charrería has been a source of inspiration for artisans, poets, painters, musicians, and lovers of our traditions.

Explore more about its history at the link:
https://fmcharreria.org.mx/historia-de-la-charreria/


"I am the Mexican charro, noble, brave and loyal
Always a brother to his people"

Charros Group (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico

Charrería in Mexico

With roots dating back to colonial times, charrería has evolved over the centuries. Recognized as the National Sport and Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, it has captivated people from various artistic disciplines and stands out as a symbol of Mexican culture.

Credits: Story

This story was created with information and support from Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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