Our host and campground owner, Rafa, took us to a rodeo that pitted two local teams against each other in a friendly Sunday competition. Jalisco State is renowned for its charro riders and upcoming meets would choose the local entry into the national championships.
Rafa’s uncle, a charro himself, welcomed us as celebrity guests. The uncle cut a dashing figure in his costume and evoked the image of Rafa’s late grandfather whose photos we had just seen. Old Don Carlos to his dying day never went out without his full charro finery.
The charros competed in about 10 different events, demonstrating riding skills, lassoing steers, rope-handling, breaking wild horses and so on. Before we came, one of the other campers had checked to make sure no animals would be killed. None were, but some of the bulls had a pretty rough day. The competitors ranged in age from boys in their early teens to mature men. The enthusiastic crowd was mainly family groups out for an afternoon’s entertainment. Vendors constantly moved through the stands selling snacks, beverages and charro gear such as lariats. Our big treat was when Uncle produced a bottle of tequila and shot glasses for all.
After the show we went to Tlaquepeque, an artsy touristy part of the city for a meal. The wide pedestrian boulevard is full of large sculptures. Street stalls feature locals arts and crafts.
Nice horses and what a great statue!
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