Rodeos - Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Fiesta is a big celebration every April in San Antonio, Texas. One of the events that occurs during the 12-day celebration is "A Day in Old Mexico and Charreada." Basically the event is a big family celebration capped off with a rodeo (Charreria).

From the fiesta-sa.org website:

"The Asociación de Charros de San Antonio has been carrying on the tradition of Charrería for more than 60 years. Charrería originated in the 19th century as a way for the landed gentry to prepare horses and riders for war. It later evolved into an equestrian competition featuring horse reining, bull riding and artistic roping skills. Today's charros wear the traditional clothes and use horse equipment as required by the Federation of Charros in Mexico"

Bob and I decided to attend and had a wonderful time. The first three photos below are  entertainment before the rodeo begins.

Then came the grand entrance of riders and presenting of the colors.

U.S. and Mexican flags presented

The national anthems of both countries were played. Then the rodeo began.

Queen, Emcee, and King of the rodeo

Riding club

Demonstration of riding

Steer riding

Lassoing

Two riders demonstrating how to bring down a bull for branding

Steer riding

Bareback riding

Bareback riding troupe

Bronc riding

That's one feisty horse!

A girl in her beautiful fiesta dress

El Paso de Muerto

We had a wonderful afternoon at the Charro Ranch. Even though the day was hot, most of the seating was in the shade and there was a breeze that cooled us a little bit.

The bleachers were full

This rodeo was very different from the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. That is huge and held in the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum. This rodeo is much more personal. You feel as if you're part of the experience!

I want to go to another event at the Charro Ranch. It's only about a mile from Travelers World RV Resort.