How an Arizona family is keeping Mexican rodeo tradition alive

SOMERTON (AZFamily) — A family in Somerton, Arizona, is keeping the charrería tradition alive.

Charrería, a Spanish word for Mexican rodeo, is Mexico’s national sport and is considered one of the country’s oldest traditions. Though it has evolved over time, the sport is still regarded as a symbol of the country’s culture and heritage.

Charrería revolves around nine skills demonstrated by a Mexican cowboy, known as a charro. The skills, including reining, roping and bull tailing, are all ranching skills used to test a charro’s expertise.

Ivan Mier is a charro and captain of the Lienzo Charro Rancho Espuelas De Oro, a team made up of him and his four siblings. They compete in different events and practice at the family’s ranch in Somerton.

Ivan works with his horse to perfect his skills. He said he works with the horse for at least 30 minutes each day. Ivan has been practicing charrería since he was young.

“I carry it deeply inside my heart, and it’s something my father has always encouraged me to do,” said Ivan.

His dad, Felipe Mier, is a retired charro. When he was just 16 years old, Felipe migrated to the U.S. from Zacatecas, Mexico. Charrería was a way for Felipe to carry out his family’s legacy in the U.S.

“You have to have passion for the charrería,” said Felipe.

He loved the sport so much that he built an arena at his ranch where his kids could practice their skills. It has also served as a place to hold Mexican rodeos. Over the years, the family has traveled to different rodeos across the U.S., showcasing and competing in charrería.

At 62, Felipe is retired from the sport and leaves it to his children to keep the tradition going.

“I’m looking to see what the new generation does, really I’m the old generation and I would like to see what’s gonna happen with the new generation,” said Felipe.

His oldest son, Adrian, is now helping lead the effort to get the community involved in the sport. They hold charrería exhibitions at their ranch free of charge.

“It’s for the community to see what charrería is. There’s not a lot of charros that open up their gates for a community event. They usually travel out of state or to Mexico,” said Adrian.

On Sept. 21, the family held an exhibition from their ranch to showcase the sport as a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day, observed on Sept. 16. Charros came from across Arizona to celebrate the day and tradition.

“For me it means I am able to continue my culture and expand not only myself, but help the community see what the culture is in Mexico,” said Adrian.

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