The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza definitely lives up to it’s name. The show started with Mariachi sol de Mi Tierra songs and dancers. Vibrantly colored and twirling dresses filled the stage while pyrotechnics lit up the arena! Mexican Flags were presented by Escaramuza Charra. The grand entry was quite spectacular to see as the arena instantly filled with dancers, charros and clowns. Local charro groups rode in on their gorgeous high stepping steeds around the outer part of the arena, encircling the group for the presentation of both the Mexican flag and the American flag. The national anthems of both countries were sung by the lovely Valeria Carlos.
The bareback riders busted out of the chutes first, riding charro style while dancers filled the stage once more. Music was provided by the live mariachi band throughout the entire evening. Was so beautiful to hear them play as the show went on.
The Westernaires Trick Rider Team entered the arena with their high speed stunts, defying gravity and pushing the limits of human flexibility. Hanging by one limb, upside down on a galloping horse, usually touching the ground in some manner before popping right back up into the saddle to wave to the crowd. Somewhat dangerous I might say but they make it look so easy when they perform.
Paso de la Muerte is a unique event in which a rider must mount an unsaddled horse while riding his own horse. Also known as the pass of death, a charro riding bareback, with reins; attempts to leap from his own horse to the bare back of a loose, unbroken horse without reins and ride it till it stops bucking. The most dangerous part of this is the potential for the charro to fall under the hooves of the horse and possibly get trampled in the process….. whoever said this rodeo life was easy was sooooo wrong!
Amongst all the fun was something called Mutton Bustin, where kids mount the back of sheeps to have some fun. Always a crowd pleaser!
Matadors from Mexico showed their skills and technique as they seemed in total control of the wild bull in the arena. The matadors were always in perfect stance as the bull struck the cape. One of them even knelt on one knee as the bull charged through his cape showing his precision and experience. Please people, don’t try this at home!
The Grand Finale included every performer of the evening, minus the fighting bulls of course; coming back to the center of the arena for a presentation of the Mexican hat dance. With all the horses, dancers and riders giving their final goodbyes for the evening, what a beautiful and colorful way to end the show for this Mexican Extravaganza.
Stay tuned from more from Xposer Magazine as well as our extended coverage of this National Western Stockshow and Rodeo!!
Xposer Magazine, where you go to be scene!
Article and photos contributed by: Melissa Polk of The Cowgirl Camera
