Synopsis:

Charrería is Mexico’s national sport, rooted in the country’s equestrian history and recognized by UNESCO as a part of Mexican national heritage. Horses and horsemanship have shaped the country since the arrival of horses in the 1500s. Today, riders demonstrate the great art of working with horses in sports arenas around the country, including one nearby in Tlalixtac de Cabrera, where the state championship competitions were held last year. The riders dress in colorful fashions from the days of the haciendas. The men, called Charros, perform amazing feats with cattle, while the women, called Escaramuza Charras, lead horses through intricate group dances. As one young woman said, “To be Mexican is to be Charra.”

Presenter:

Cythia Roderick is an award-winning news photographer, reporter, and editor. She holds an MS in Journalism from Boston University and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts. Her work has appeared in numerous publications in the US, Mexico, and other countries.