SUERTES CHARRAS: ORIGINS, HISTORY AND MAIN CLASSES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The s uertes charras are the various forms that comprise the charrería, Mexican traditional sport. The charros, the name by which the participants are called, must demonstrate their equestrian and cowboy skills by performing a series of maneuvers in the plaza.

The origin of these practices is usually placed at the time when the inhabitants of the viceroyalty began to work in livestock. For many years, non-Spaniards were forbidden to use horses, so they had to invent new ways of taming or handling animals.

During the Mexican Empire and later with the Porfiriato, the charrería knew a strong impulse, although it was not until the beginning of the 20th century when it began to be considered a sport. Before that, exhibitions by charros had become popular throughout the country.

There are 9 charro lots that take place during competitions and exhibitions. Some with horses and others without them, but all very spectacular. The charrería was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 1, 2016.

Origins and history

Charrería is often described as a sample of the charro's own skills. The latter must demonstrate his skill when treating cattle and horses, performing a series of maneuvers called lots.

Although at first this type of activity was carried out only for work, little by little exhibitions began to be held throughout Mexico, and even abroad. The popularity of these meetings led to the creation of associations, which established clear rules and turned it into competition.

The charrería takes place in enclosures similar to the Spanish bullrings, which are called lienzos charros.

The term “charro” - the participating rider - is attributed several different origins. On the one hand, some place it in Salamanca (Spain), where the word Txar, which means "rustic", was used. Others point out that the origin is the Andalusian Mozarabic word chauch (“horseman” or “shepherd”).

Background

For the charrería and its various fortunes to appear, an essential element was necessary: ​​the horse. Taken to America by the conquerors, its use was prohibited to the natives for several centuries, it could only be used by the Spanish.

So when the originals from the continent start working with cattle, they have to invent their own ways to do it. However, the rules are loosening little by little and New Hispanics begin to show their worth in equestrian art.

It was in the great haciendas where the charrería appeared. There is a strong controversy over the geographical origin, but most authors point to the state of Hidalgo, Puebla and the capital as the first places in which this activity was carried out. Finally, it extends throughout the viceroyalty.

The chinacos

One of the figures that are usually presented as antecedents of the charros are the chinacos, a term from the Nahuatl language. These were groups of Afro-Brazilian men who engaged in banditry at the end of the colonial period and at the beginning of independence.

They acted on horseback, showing great skill. During the independence struggles and subsequent conflicts, several of these groups carried out actions in favor of the liberals.

Mexico's independence

The Independence of Mexico brought a popularization of the charrería. The horse became widespread and its use was mandatory in the large estates formed.

Already in the 19th century, Emperor Maximilian gave a strong push to this discipline. It is said that he was one of the causes that the Mexican costume will change, leading to the clothing worn by the charros.

Likewise, during his government some regulations on the subject began to appear. The first exhibitions are also produced, even with international diffusion, since numerous guests of the Court attended to witness some of them.

Porfiriato

At the end of the s. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz, the coleadero and the jineteadero became very common as entertainment in the rural areas of the country. Small squares are built to be able to practice them.

It is also noteworthy that certain regional differences are beginning to appear in the practice of charrería, especially in clothing. This will lead to the appearance of various charro costumes typical of each territory.

Charrería as a sport

Although there are references to some charro contests held at the beginning of the 19th century, it is not until much later that it begins to be considered a sport.

In 1894, several Mexican charros traveled to the United States to participate in different contests, obtaining great success. After that experience, in 1900 another group traveled to Europe to promote their discipline.

In Mexico, charrería was recognized as a competition in 1923. Charro associations had been formed throughout the country and that year the national federation was founded. Since then, contests are frequent and become one of the most beloved and traditional activities in the United States of Mexico.

Types of charras luck

There are 9 different lots in a charrería competition, each with its own characteristics. Besides, they often include so-called skirmishes. These are choreographies in which women participate in the Amazon style.

Horse cove

It is about testing the rider's mastery over the horse. You must demonstrate that the mount is well behaved by performing various maneuvers. These include galloping, running, and postures.

Piales

The full name is piales on the canvas. The charro must stop the running mare with a loop of its hindquarters.

Bull riding

The participant has to ride on top of a brave bull. It is that it remains longer on the animal before being knocked down, it achieves victory.

Coleadero

The rider must try to knock down a bull by pulling its tail.

Terna in the ring

It combines two different lots: first, the charro has to lasso a bull by the head; second, you need to pial on the canvas. This luck is considered the oldest in this activity.

Mare rider

It is the same luck as the bull riding, but changing the mount for an equine.

Manganas on foot or on horseback

The only variation in these two lots is the position of the charro. In both, you must capture the horse's front limbs with the lasso to bring it down.

The passage of death

Without a doubt this is one of the most spectacular and complicated to execute. The charro rides a meek mare through the ring and has to race from her mount to another mare without taming and without any type of equipment.

References

1. Díaz, Abel «Compirri». Charrería - Suertes Charras !. Obtained from decharros.com
2. Unknown Mexico. The "Lucks" of the Charra party. Obtained from mexicodesconocido.com.mx
3. Piñero, Manuel. Nine Lucks and a Skirmish. Obtained from almadefrontera.blogspot.com.es
4. Guadalajara Tours. What is Charreria in Guadalajara ?. Retrieved from gdltours.com
5. Associated Press. Mexico celebrates its charro horse tradition. Retrieved from dailymail.co.uk

6. Charro Azteca. A brief History of Charreria. Obtained from charroazteca.com
7. The Oregon Encyclopedia. Charrería. Retrieved from oregonencyclopedia.org
8. Notisem. "Mexican Charrería", a national sport. Recovered from embamex.sre.gob.mx