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KPBS Midday Edition

San Diego Charrerias Preserve Centuries Old Mexican Ranching Tradition

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.
Ariana Drehsler
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.
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.

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.

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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.