In Mexico, 'charro' is a term referring to a traditional
cowboy of
Mexico, originating in the State of Jalisco. In the rest of Mexico, including that part which was annexed by the United States in 1848, the equivalent term was "
vaquero". In Spain, a 'charro' is a native of the region of
Salamanca. It is likely that the Mexican ''charro'' tradition derived from Spanish horsemen who came from Salamanca, Spain and settled in Jalisco.
The traditional Mexican ''charro'' is known for colorful clothing and participating in ''
charreadas'', a type of
rodeo. The charreada, or corrida, is the national sport in Mexico. There are more charros in the state of
Jalisco than any other state in Mexico. Jalisco has also won more national championships than any other state.
Other uses
The "charro film" was a
genre of the
Golden Age of Mexican cinema, and probably played a large role in popularizing the'' charro'', akin to what occurred with the advent of the Hollywood Western.
Elvis Presley starred in a movie called Charro, in which he portrayed a reformed outlaw.
A "charro suit" or ''traje de charro'' is the folkloric costume of the
state of
Jalisco, and is worn by
mariachis, folklórico dancers, and on special occasions requiring formal attire. It is also the folkloric costume of the province of Salamanca in Spain, which inspired the Mexican version.
In
Mexican politics and
labour economics, a ''
charro'' is a
government-appointed
union boss.
Trivia
★ The protagonists of the film
Three Amigos are wearing ''charro'' suits.
External links
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Art of the Charrería at the
Museum of the American West
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San Antonio Charro Association
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Charreria, the symbol of Mexico
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Federación Mexicana de Charrería (Spanish)
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Nacional de Charros (Spanish)
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Official Rulebook (Spanish)
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Mexican website for charro news (Spanish)
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"CHARRO USA" U.S. Radio, Magazine and Media News off Charreria (Mexican Rodeo)