Tradición Viva
Tradición Viva is a space of digital capsules created and presented by young people, dedicated to spreading the richness of charrería and everything that surrounds it. Through short episodes, viewers are immersed in the exciting world of charrería, along with its link to crafts, folklore and traditional Mexican music. Each capsule shows how these cultural expressions reflect the heart of Mexico, inviting new generations to discover and value a tradition that is still alive and forms an essential part of our identity.
The Origin
We invite you to discover the history behind charrería, our most emblematic tradition. Join us in these videos that explore its origin and the role of the Decana,
the National Charros Association, in the preservation of this legacy.
Immerse yourself in our roots and let's keep charrería alive!
Origen de la Charrería
Charreria is a tradition deeply rooted in the history of Mexico, which began with the arrival of horses during the Conquest and evolved in the cattle ranches of the Viceroyalty. Mestizo cowboys, called “cuerudos”, developed equestrian skills that were consolidated in the 17th century. After the Mexican Revolution, “lienzos charros” were created to preserve these traditions, making charrería not only an equestrian art, but a symbol of Mexican pride and history.
La Decana:
Pilar de la Charrería Mexicana
The National Charros Association, founded on June 4, 1921 by Don Ramón Cosío González, is the first and most emblematic charro institution in Mexico. As a pioneer in preserving and promoting equestrian traditions, his legacy has been fundamental to the creation of the Mexican Charrería Federation and the permanence of this national pride.
Las SuertesCharras
CALA DE CABALLO
The cala de caballo is a suerte that highlights the connection between the charro and his horse, evaluating obedience, gentleness and precision in each movement. The horse must execute braking with the hind legs, turns and reverse with elegance and control. Aspects such as smoothness in the canter, braking and posture are graded, while errors such as deviations, neighing or lack of precise response to the rider's commands are penalized.
PIALES
Piales are a kind of luck where the charro must stop a running mare by lassoing her by the hindquarters. The lasso is adjusted to the saddle and, with skill, the speed of the animal is controlled until it is stopped. Accuracy, length of the lasso and the charro's technique are evaluated, while errors in control or in the reata subtract points.
COLAS
Colas are one of the most dynamic suertes, where the charro must knock a bull down by grabbing its tail. Mounted on horseback, the charro ties the bull's tail to his leg and knocks him down while both run. Points are awarded for speed and accuracy in knocking down the bull before 60 meters, and mistakes such as losing control or failing to knock it down are penalized. It is a test of speed and strength.
ESCARAMUZA
The “escaramuza charra” is a discipline where a group of women perform synchronized movements on horseback, demonstrating bravery, precision and elegance. Its origin dates back to the 1950's with a mixed group of boys and girls, and over time it was consolidated as an exclusively feminine luck. Today, the skirmish is one of the most admired forms of charreria, standing out for its coordination and beauty, and has transcended borders as a symbol of Mexican nationality.
JINETEO DE TORO
The bull riding is one of the most exciting suertes, where the charro must ride a steer and withstand his repairs with only a rope or pretal. The rider's resistance, control and posture are evaluated, while premature falls or lack of control are penalized. It is a test of great courage and physical dexterity.
LA TERNA EN EL RUEDO
The “terna” in the ring is a task in which three charros must lasso a bull by the head and legs in order to surrender it. The precision, coordination and speed of the lazo are evaluated, as well as the elegance of the floreo. Failures in the lazo or lack of coordination are penalized, being a suerte that emphasizes teamwork.
JINETEO DE YEGUA
The jineteo de yegua combines strength and technique, where the charro must withstand the sudden movements of a mare while making repairs. Points are awarded for endurance, ability to untie the pretal and elegance when descending. Premature falls or lack of elegance are penalized, being a test that highlights the charro's dexterity.
MANGANAS A PIE Y A CABALLO
Manganas on foot and on horseback are among the most challenging events, requiring precision and skill, where the charro must bring down a moving horse (mare) by throwing a lasso that wraps around the animal's front legs.
-
Mangana on foot: The charro remains on the ground (hence the name “on foot”).
-
Mangana on horseback: The charro performs the feat on horseback.
PASO DE LA MUERTE
The Paso de la Muerte is one of the most dangerous events, where the charro, riding a trained horse, jumps onto a wild mare at full speed. He must withstand the mare's bucking and maintain control until she calms down. Points are awarded for the speed and precision of the jump, as well as the charro's endurance, while falls or failures to control the mare are penalized.