The importance of preserving the charrería tradition for future generations.

The oldest Mexican sport is charreria. “It’s known as the national game Everyone thinks it’s soccer but it’s an equestrian sport called charreria” declared Vereniz Llamas. Charros are males who participate in horses, however, the women who do it are referred to as Escaramuzas. Literally, it means the word skirmish, in English. Llamas lives in Beecher Illinois where she has been riding since childhood. Llamas explained to her that an escaramuza, a Mexican cowgirl who works together with eight women working side-by-side on a saddle performing dangerous turns crossings, fast turns and crosses could be thought of as dancing on horses.

The tradition of Charreria dates back to the late 70s and early Chicago. Illinois includes 9 Escaramuza and Charro teams that compete at the state level , in hope of participating in the Congreso Mexicana. Illinois is among states which continue to follow the tradition and can officially compete in Mexico in accordance with the Federacion Mexicana de Charreria. The Chicago’s Little Village dance group XochitlQuetzal Aztec Dance keeps up a tradition for more than a year. “A majority of people in Chicago take note of what we say.

The Coronelas de Illinois is a competitive escaramuza team that plays at Manhattan on Ranchos Los Gonzalez. Established in the year 2000 , the Coronelas are the second most seasoned teams of escaramuza from Illinois and are considered to be one of the strongest teams that the state has. This year’s Rancho El Consuelo state competition in Beecher The Coronelas were named state champions. The team is now headed for the Congreso in Zacatecas, Mexico.

Alexa Curiel of Joliet discussed her experiences as a Coronela member in October. She said “We have a really capable leader Itzel. She’s an Illinois Escaramuza, and has participated in Mexico many times. She’s truly a fantastic rider. Itzel Castaneda serves as captain of Coronelas. Itzel has been riding since she was five years old.

“We have eight ideas as well as eight distinct personalities and eight different scheduling,” said Castaneda. Castaneda stated that judges come from Mexico. They’re very meticulous and make sure every detail is correct before riding into the arena. This includes attire, horses or saddles, as well as hair. “Your hair should be tied back in a ponytail that is slick Also, be sure not to have fly-aways,” Curiel states. Curiel. You are not allowed to make use of unnatural colors like green or blue. This is a part of the rules book.” They examine their teams in a group for precision and accuracy.

They’ll be looking for one woman who’s out of place during your turn. Castaneda has said that if she’s too transparent, coordination and precision are crucial. As opposed to charros escaramuzas have saddles and are traditionally adorned in Mexican outfits. Castaneda declared that she’s an athlete. Castaneda said that not everyone can get onto a side-saddle and properly. This requires lots of balance.”” Riding side saddle is what distinguishes an escaramuza from charro. It is the woman’s saddle that is known as an albarda while that of men is known as the silla.

Conclusion

To compete at the highest levels of charreada, it takes more than just individual skill. Teams must work harmonious with one another with regards to their presentation and riding. This is the reason why the judge pay close attention to detail, to ensure that every team is ready to take on the challenges. With so many elements to consider, it’s no wonder that getting ready for a charreada could be a bit gruelling. But for those who love the game, it’s worth it in the final.