Charreada or Mexican rodeo

I guess that when you are travelling you are looking for genuine experiences and you want to see a bit of local culture untouched by the globalization. Nevertheless, it is highly unlikely that you will experience Mexican folklore lying on the beach in Cancun or in the Playa del Carmen.

I have learned that the best way to explore authentic places is to get lost and to follow the locals. When I was traveling in Yucatan I stopped in a small village close to Merida. My friend and I spotted a large gathering and we decided to follow the crowd dressed up in its 'Sunday best'. As we later realized, the locals were gathering for a charreada - a Mexican rodeo. 

We walked around and we were watching the preparations for the event. Since the main attractions were not ready, and people did not have too much to do, all the eyes were on us. It was not easy to stay unnoticed. Even though my friend is Mexican, he has the city boy look and I am blond girl, which instantly makes people think "gringa"- an American (or any foreigner). Now, imagine how we were strolling among Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) preparing their horses for the event, and how they were giving us curious glimpses wondering what brought us to their small village. 

The event was taking place at an arena which was made out of dried palm leaves. On the border of the circle there were sitting places taken most probably by the most prominent village citizens. It did not look like just anybody could sit there.

We asked politely whether we could enter just to have a look and take some pictures and we got a 'si' from a gentleman in a big sombrero guarding the entrance.

Old señoras sitting on the tribunes were dressed in a typical outfit from the region of Yucatan and waiting impatiently for the rodeo to begin. I guess that some of the young men taking part in the event were their grandsons and they were cheering for them.

Many spectators were spending pleasantly the waiting time eating corn on the cob or sipping Micheladas - Mexican prepared beer with added lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and peppers. I tried it once, and it was the very fist and the very last time when I touched this drink. But since the locals seem to love it, I suggest you to try it before you get biased by my subjective opinion on this noble drink.  

It looked like it was a very important event for the locals and that the whole village was there: all the seniors as well as mothers carrying their newborns. Nobody could afford to miss out. 

It was great just to be there and observe the people - an opportunity to see real Mexican life in the countryside far away from tourist resorts is something that one cannot experience staying on the beaten track. So next time when you travel - do not get afraid to get lost!

Now, instead of writing too much, I will let you enjoy the pictures!

Cheers, 

Marcela

Vaqueros (cowboys) preparing for showing their best at village charreada (rodeo).

This vaquero for sure was wondering what a blond gringa was doing in his village. Any resemblance to Machete is a pure coincidence.

This señora dressed in a typical outfit from Yucatan is impatiently waiting for charreada (rodeo) to begin. Maybe one of her grandsons will be performing and she will be cheering for him? 

Micheladas - Mexican prepared beer with added lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and peppers. Try it if you dare.