Each time a Charro rides a horse, he’s indeed taking the first step to heaven. At that moment, reality and eternity come closer than ever before. – Popular adage.
Sadly, people who have grown up in big cities are, most of the time, unaware of how gorgeous and dangerous the art of Mexican rodeo can be. Beautiful beyond words, Charreria performances are widely renowned for the aesthetics of the folkloric costumes, the charros’ skill, and the spiritual connection between horsemen and horses. Despite its beauty, Charreria is also a life-threatening art. As horses aren’t always in the mood for presentations, no matter how much a Charro has practiced with his horse, his life may still be in great danger. Tequila is undeniably the born place of Charreria. It would thus be unforgivable not to have a sanctuary for this art. Thank god, there is a museum called Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo, which is wholly focused on preserving and promoting this tradition.
Beyond a Charreria Museum
In Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo you’ll find an enormous collection of saddles, spurs, folkloric costumes, and carriages. Some of these artifacts are from our time, but many others have been gently treated and restored. It doesn’t matter whether you love the oldies or the new ones, this museum will leave you speechless. Besides, in the multimedia room, you could fall in love with Charreria by watching the funniest stories of Mexican heritage. This exhibition portraits the crucial role of Charreria in national agriculture, farming, and militia development. Emerging in Hidalgo and Jalisco during the Colony, Mundo Cuervo has created a mind-blowing experience that will make you relive the most amazing passages of Mexican history. Undoubtedly an unmissable journey from the Spanish conquest to the present.
What should I not miss at the Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo?
Besides the Charreria exposition and the astonishing carriages, in this museum, you will find a Prehispanic stone-art collection. Collected by the archeologist, Alexander Wunthernau, these pieces show several faces of Mexican indigenous people. There’s also another room where you can find the work of the most celebrated Mexican artists of popular arts. It presents 500 pieces of more than 200 handcraft-masters. The museum itself is another unmissable attraction. Built by Jorge Loyzaga, the main building was inspired in the XVII-century baroque architecture, turning it in a jewel that joins the classic beauty with the modern tech. When you get on board Jose Cuervo Express, look attentively through the window. You may be lucky enough to see a Charro riding his horse in the middle of a valley full of agaves. May the Charreria live forever!
Last update: 03/06/2020
