Rivard Report (https://therivardreport.com/tag/charreada/)
This week in Just This, we discuss the more than century-long history of San Antonio’s annual Fiesta celebration – its kings, queens, parties and festivals from La Villita to Market Square to the Alamodome.
One day in the heat of July, Luis messaged me, saying he had just rescued a horse from dying of neglect in Houston. He asked if I wanted to document the process of bringing the horse back to health. I said yes immediately and was at the ranch the next day.
Many countries and cultures developed riding competitions based on Spanish influences, but only few have as many particularities as the Mexican charreada.
Deeply rooted traditions of gallantry and horsemanship are reflected in the charros’ elegant attire, finely-crafted riding gear, and their social mores.
Charrería has its roots in the state of Hidalgo and Jalisco and is considered one of the most representative traditions in Mexican culture.
The deep-rooted customs and traditions of Mexican culture were celebrated on Sunday during the Day in Old Mexico and Charreada.
There are dozens of performers in this year’s San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo lineup, but no one is more devoted to the longevity of their craft as Tomás Garcilazo.
San Antonio’s own Charreada is the kind of event that makes our city unique, something San Antonio has that can’t be found in other major cities north of the border.
Some events come and go, and some stick out more than others.
One of the highlights of living in San Antonio is the 10-day Fiesta celebration honoring the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto.