LONGMONT- Charreada (Mexican rodeo) became popular in the early 19th century. Large haciendas (ranches) would hold festivals around branding and round-up times that showcased the charros’ (cowboys) skills in horsemanship, roping, and cattle handling.

Charrería is the culture surrounding a charreada and is Mexico’s national sport. In 2016, charrería was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Attendees at the Boulder County Fair witnessed competitive bull riding, bronc riding, and an entertaining mix of traditional charro tasks on Sunday, August 10, during the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta held in Jack Murphy Arena.

At each charreada, there are nine men’s events or “suertes” which translates to “luck.” One of the most exciting is the Paso de la Muerte (death pass).

Four charros on horseback chase a wild mare around the arena at full gallop until one of them positions himself alongside the mare. At that point he attempts to leap from his horse onto the mare’s back. The danger is falling and being trampled by the other horses.

Less hazardous is the women’s Escaramuza. It adds elegance and beauty, as a group of up to a dozen women riding sidesaddle perform precision equestrian maneuvers.

Added to charreadas in the 1950s, it honors the women (La Adelita) of the Mexican Revolution who would act as decoys on the battlefield, creating a cloud of dust in the distance with their horses, and luring the federales into giving chase. Once they invariably did, rebel forces would attack from the rear.

Emphasizing the pageantry, in essence charrería is one big party. A mariachi band played throughout the celebration. Visually engaging Jalisco folk dancers took to the arena several times and kids demonstrated their roping skills. There was even mutton bustin’ and a stick horse dance for the youngest participants, making the party indeed one for the entire family.