Forget football: in Mexico, and Jalisco in particular, charrería is the name of the game. Recognized as the country’s official national sport, charrería is more than just rodeo-style competitions. It’s a cultural display of horsemanship, tradition and heritage that dates back to the 16th century — and it’s coming to life in Puerto Vallarta at the end of January.
What started as a practical way to manage livestock on sprawling haciendas evolved into a highly skilled and deeply respected art form. Think intricate rope tricks, impeccably trained horses and charros decked out in artistically embroidered suits. Since 2016, it’s been listed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Picture the Malecón buzzing with excitement as horse hooves clatter down the pavement, sombreros tip to onlookers and mariachi music fills the air. Welcome to the Maleconeada, the spirited parade that kicks off the Vallarta International Charro Championship, happening from Jan. 30 to Feb.
2 at the Lienzo Charro Miguel “Prieto” Ibarría Arena. If you’ve ever wanted to dive headfirst into the rich, leather-clad world of Mexican cowboy culture, this is the event you won’t want to miss. But beyond the pageantry and theatrics of charreria, Puerto Vallarta is deeply rooted in other cultural traditions that are integral to Mexico, from mariachi music to tequila, and the festival gives the perfect opportunity to celebrate it all.
This year’s cha.