The full title of the city’s annual mariachi blast is frequently overlooked: Encuentro Internacional de Mariachi y Charreria. This last part is of huge importance to the many fans of Mexican-style rodeo.
While mariachi bands entertain the crowds in Guadalajara, teams of top-class horsemen will compete in the 17th Campeonato Nacional Charro (National Charro Championship) at the Lienzo Charro Nito Aceves in Tlajomulco from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6. Located just off the Guadalajara-Chapala highway on the road to Cajititlan, the arena is in easy reach of the Lake Chapala area (a 20-minute drive from Chapala itself) and will offer first-timers a splendid opportunity to witness the color and spectacle of this unique Mexican sport.
Charreria is rooted in animal husbandry practices of the colonial era that gave rise to competitions between ranch hands who worked large agricultural estates. The modern-day charreada evolved to preserve those customs as haciendas were disbanded on the heels of the Mexican Revolution.
Nowadays a charreada comprises challenges in nine distinct reining, roping and riding suertes (tricks) presented in an established order, with three teams of horsemen competing against one another. Contestants are scored on style and execution in each suerte, accumulating points to determine the winning team.
Charrerias overflow with Mexican flavor and atmosphere, as bands are always on hand to keep the audience entertained during the breaks in action. A high point of each day are the thrilling displays by escaramuzas (teams of female riders), who execute complex synchronized maneuvers with amazing skill and grace.
The preliminary rounds are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, with the action starting at 2:30 p.m. There’s free entry on both days. Three semi-final rounds are scheduled on Saturday, at noon, 3:30 and 6 p.m. Adults 50 pesos, children 30 pesos. Finals day is Sunday, with 6th to 4th positions being decided at noon, and third to first places from 4 p.m. Entry on Sunday is 150 pesos for adults, 50 pesos for children.
The Lienzo Charro Nito Aceves arena is on Calle Javier Mina, La Calera, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga. Those approaching from Chapala should turn off the Guadalajara highway toward Cajititlan (two kilometers before the VFG Arena), and take the third street on the left (Javier Mina), at about 500 meters. The charro arena is on the right.