Os s uertes charras These are the various forms that make up charrería, a traditional Mexican sport. The charros, as the participants are known, must demonstrate their equestrian and cowgirl skills by performing a series of maneuvers in the plaza.
The origin of these practices is generally attributed to the time when the inhabitants of the viceroyalty began to work as cattle ranchers. For many years, non-Spaniards were forbidden from using horses, so they had to invent new ways to tame or manage the animals.
During the Mexican Empire and later with the Porfiriato, charrería experienced a strong boost, although it wasn't until the early 20th century that it began to be considered a sport. Before that, exhibitions held by charros throughout the country had already become popular.
There are nine charras da sorte (lucky charras) that take place during competitions and exhibitions. Some with horses and others without, but all are spectacular. The charrería was declared a World Heritage Site on December 9, 1.
Origins and History
The charrería is often described as a showcase of the charro's own skills. He must demonstrate his skill in handling cattle and horses by performing a series of maneuvers called sorte.
Although initially this type of activity was carried out solely for work, exhibitions gradually began to be held throughout Mexico and even abroad. The popularity of these gatherings led to the creation of associations, which established clear rules and transformed them into a competition.
The charrería takes place in enclosures similar to the Spanish bullring, called telas de charros.
The term “charro” – the participant – is attributed to several different origins. On the one hand, some trace it to Salamanca (Spain), where the word was first used. txar , which means “rustic”. Others point out that the origin is the Andalusian word for Mozarab chauch (“knight” or “shepherd”).
Background
For charrería and its various activities to emerge, one essential element was necessary: the horse. Brought to the Americas by the conquistadors, its use was forbidden to the natives for several centuries; only the Spanish could use it.
So when the mainland natives began working with cattle, they had to invent their own ways. However, the rules gradually relaxed, and New Spain began to demonstrate its prowess in the equestrian arts.
Charrería originated on large estates. There is considerable controversy over its geographic origin, but most authors point to the state of Hidalgo, Puebla, and the capital as the first locations where this activity took place. Eventually, it spread throughout the viceroyalty.
The Chinese
One of the figures often presented as the predecessors of the charros is the Chinacos, a term from the Nahuatl language. These were groups of men from the Afromestizo who turned to banditry in the late colonial era and early independence.
They operated on horseback, demonstrating great experience. During the struggles for independence and subsequent conflicts, several of these groups carried out actions in favor of the liberals.
Independence of Mexico
Mexico's independence brought the popularization of charrería. Horses became widespread, and their use was mandatory on the large estates that were established.
In the 19th century, Emperor Maximilian gave this discipline a strong push. It is said that he was one of the reasons Mexican dress changed, leading to the clothing worn by charros.
Similarly, some regulations on the subject began to appear during his administration. The first exhibits were also produced, even with international coverage, with numerous guests of the Court present to witness some of them.
Porphyriate
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz, the coleadero and the cavalier became very common and entertaining in rural areas of the country. Small squares were built to practice them.
It's also worth noting that certain regional differences are beginning to emerge in the practice of charrería, especially in clothing. This will lead to the emergence of different charro costumes from each territory.
Charrería as a sport
Although there are references to some charro competitions already held in the early 19th century, it was not until much later that it began to be considered a sport.
In 1894, several Mexican charros traveled to the United States to participate in various competitions, achieving great success. Following this experience, in 1900 another group moved to Europe to promote their discipline.
In Mexico, charrería was recognized as a competition in 1923. Charro associations were formed throughout the country, and that year the national federation was founded. From then on, competitions became frequent and became one of the most beloved and traditional activities in the United States of Mexico.
Types of lucky charras
There are nine different rounds in a charrería competition, each with its own characteristics. They also often include so-called escaramuças, which are choreographed events featuring women mounted in the Amazonian style.
Horse stream
This involves demonstrating the rider's mastery of the horse. You must demonstrate that your mount is well-behaved by performing various maneuvers, including galloping, running, and postures.
Pials
The full name is piales on the screen. The charro must stop the mare in the race with a loop of his hindquarters.
Bull Jineteo
The contestant must ride a brave bull. Whoever stays on the animal the longest before being demolished wins.
Co-leader
The rider must try to knock down a bull by pulling its tail.
Terna in the ring
Combine two different plots: first, the charro must tie a bull to its head; second, you must perform a flask on the screen. This is considered the oldest of the three.
Mare Jineteo
It's the same fate as the nineteenth bull, but changing the mount to an equine.
Manganas on foot or on horseback
The only variation in these two games is the position of the charro. In both, you must capture the horse's front legs with the lasso to bring it down.
The death of death
Without a doubt, this is one of the most spectacular and complicated to perform. The charro rides a tame mare around the ring and has to run from his mount to another mare without breaking her in and without any equipment.
References
- Díaz, Abel «Compirri». Charrería – Lucky Charras! Obtained from decharros.com
- Unknown Mexico The "luck" of the Charra party. Retrieved from mexicodesconocido.com.mx
- Piñero, Manuel. Nine fortunes and a skirmish. Retrieved from almadefrontera.blogspot.com.es
- Guadalajara Tours What is Charreria in Guadalajara? Retrieved from gdltours.com
- Associated Press Mexico celebrates its charro horse tradition. Retrieved from dailymail.co.uk
- Aztec Charro. A brief history of Charreria. Retrieved from charroazteca.com
- The Oregon Encyclopedia. Charrería. Retrieved from oregonencyclopedia.org
- Notice “Mexican Charrería”, a national sport. Retrieved from embamex.sre.gob.mx