The LA County Fair once again included Charreada in Western Days and Rodeo Nights. This was a demonstration rather than a full blown competition but drew a large crowd and introduced many to the Mexican brand of rodeo. Judging from the reactions of the crowd the event was both enjoyed and appreciated. The presentation included five of the traditional ten events and was unscored.
Charreada is the Mexican rodeo based on the working skills of the Charros or Mexican Cowboys who worked on the great Haciendas prior to the Mexican Revolution. In 1921, Following the breakup of the Haciendas, the Asociacion Nacional de Charros was formed to preserve tradition and keep the Charro skills alive.
In the 1970s, the Federacion Mexicana de Charreria began assisting Mexican Americans in establishing official charreadas in the United States. The champion US team now competes in the national competition of Mexico.
Participants wear traditional Charro clothing and compete in nine scoring events staged for men and a tenth event, the Escaramuza, a precision equestrian event for women. This event involves women's teams executing in precisely choreographed patterns on horseback while dressed in nineteenth century attire.
Unlike US rodeos, most Charreadas do not award cash prizes as they are considered an amateur, rather than professional sport. Also events are not timed. Scores are given based on the finesse and grace of the competitor.
The events presented were:
1. Cala de Caballo (Reining): The Charro demonstrates the training and ability of his horse which is required to canter, gallop, slide stop, spin on its hind legs and back up. It Is one of the hardest events and also the most closely scored, it is possible to score more negative points than positive one.
2. Jineteo de Toro (Bull riding): Similar to the US rodeo event but bulls are smaller, between 990 and 1320 pounds, and are ridden until they stop bucking. The Charro cannot thrown off, he must dismount and land upright. Two hands can be used on the bullrope and points are given for technique.
3. Terna en el Ruedo (Team Roping): Three charros attempt to rope a bull - one by its neck, one by its hind legs, and the last then ties its feet together. They are given six minutes to complete the task. Points are awarded based on time and skill with a rope.
4. El Paso de la Muerte (The pass of death): Riding bareback, a charro, attempts to leap from his own horse to the bare back of a wild horse and ride it until it stops bucking. The danger of this is if the charro performing the pass falls under three mounted charros that are chasing the wild mare he can easily suffer serious injury or be killed. Again the mare is ridden to a stand still.
5. Escaramuza (Skirmish) A teams of 8 women perform precision maneuvers while riding sidesaddle and dressed in Adelita dress.
Also included in the performance were Caballos Danzantes (Dancing Stallions) and Truco de Cuerda (Trick Roping).
A charreada is more than the national sport of Mexico, it is an art and is deeply rooted in the Mexican culture. The popularity of this presentation will, hopefully, insure its inclusion in future editions of the LA County Fair.
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