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