KPBS Midday Edition

San Diego Charrerias Preserve Centuries Old Mexican Ranching Tradition

By Jade Hindmon / KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, Harrison Patiño / Producer, KPBS Midday Edition

Published August 10, 2021 at 11:51 AM PDT

This story was published more than 3 years ago.

In this undated photo, Charros and Charras practice the cala de caballo (demonstration of the horse rein) at Pico Rivera Sports Arena in Pico Rivera, CA.

San Diego Charrerias Preserve Centuries Old Mexican Ranching Tradition

With daring feats of horsemanship, traditional music and ornamental outfits, San Diego's charrerias offer visitors a gathering place to celebrate Mexico's centuries-old ranching traditions.

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Across the country, dozens of charrerías offer spectators a glimpse at the living history of Mexico’s proud ranching culture.

These competitions allow participants to hone their skills, while giving members of the Mexican-American community a gathering place to celebrate a centuries-old tradition.

RELATED: A Student Punished For Wearing A Mexican Flag At Graduation Finally Gets His Diploma

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Ramon Jara, captain of Charros Rancho La Laguna, told San Diego Union-Tribune reporter Andrea Lopez-Villafaña that taking part in the local charrerías means representing his Mexican heritage.

“When you dress up as a charro, you’re dressing up like Mexico," Jara said. "That’s important to me, because it means the values of the family, it means the value of being a good athlete, it means the value of being Mexican."

Lopez-Villafaña joined Midday Edition on Tuesday to discuss her story about San Diego's charrería culture.

KPBS Midday Edition

Jade Hindmon

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Jade Hindmon is the host of KPBS Midday Edition. She connects San Diego through fearless conversations that inform, inspire and make you think. Prior to Midday Edition Jade was a reporter and fill-in anchor in the KPBS newsroom covering everything from politics to policing and the economy. Her award winning work spans network affiliates across the southeast and midwest. As a very proud Rattler, Jade studied broadcast journalism and political science at Florida A&M University. She takes a special interest in topics about democracy, accountability, racial justice, science and wellness.

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Harrison Patiño

Harrison Patiño is a producer for "KPBS Midday Edition". His primary roles include story development, and is involved in the audio production and coordination of interview subjects. Prior to joining KPBS, Harrison held various positions at Hawaii Public Radio within its news and music departments. While pursuing a double major in journalism and classics at The University of Hawaii at Manoa, Harrison worked at the school's student-run radio station, KTUH. After graduating, Harrison served as a community advisor for the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Student Media Board.

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