Charros from Rancho El Carretero together with Escaramuza Las Zacatecanas showcase their beautiful Mexican equestrian traditions at the Iowa Horse Fair, which will be held from March 26-28 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Presentations by the Charros and Escaramuza will be on Saturday March 27 at 2pm and on Sunday March 28 at 10:30 am. Escaramuza Las Zacatecanas Infantil (Children’s troup) will participate once again this year.
Last year the fair was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This year they are back but still encourage people “take reasonable measures” to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable population.
Juan Piña from Rancho El Carretero tells us that they have participated for around 9 years in the Iowa Horse Fair organized by the Iowa Horse Council.
“I am proud to present our culture and keep it alive in this country,” shared Mr. Piña. “We have children of 4 or 5 years of age and we see that they like to practice and that makes me feel that we are planting a small seed of our culture in them”
Mr. Piña added that one of the things that people like to see is the Escaramuzas with the female riders and their beautiful Mexican dresses riding “Side English Saddle”.
For the Piña brothers, it is very pleasant to share their culture with their cousins, nieces and nephews and all their family members from the Piña Rodríguez family, who are also part of these groups. “Rancho Carretero is like a piece of Mexico here in Iowa”
For Alejandra Piña, Juan’s daughter, riding and being around horses has always been part of her life. “I remember going to rodeos all over Southern California with my family and being able to ride horses there. Later having my own horse I remember riding bareback all the time” she said.
Photo by America Duran Photography
“Being an Escaramuza is important to me because when we dress up we represent Mexico and our culture. The Escaramuza is class and beauty, with our beautiful beasts we ride. The connection I have with my horse is unbelievable. We are the female side of charreria demonstrating that anything a man can do we can do too on a side saddle. Everytime the team is ready to go we get a great sense of orgullo and pride.” Ms.Piña said about her deep love of her culture.
A Banda Sinaloense will accompany them again this year to liven up the presentations with their music. The Piña family invites everyone to come enjoy this presentation of our Mexican culture within the Iowa Horse Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The Iowa Horse Fair is from March 26 to 28 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds located at 3000 E. Grand Avenue in Des Moines, IA. Admission is $ 10 per day per adult and children under 12 are free. The presentations of the Charros and Escaramuza will be on Saturday March 27 at 2pm and Sunday March 28 at 10:30am.
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