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The First Cowboys - Vaqueros |
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Although cattle ranching has never been a big part of Cozumel life due to the rugged terrain and lack of grazing areas, there are plenty of cowboys (vaqueros) that call the island home. And many are expert riders and skilled horsemen.
Contrary to popular belief, the first cowboys were Mexican, not American. The cattle ranching that later emerged in the west was a blend of Mexican and Anglo-American practices but many of the techniques and terms that were used in the American cowboy culture came from the Spanish. In Mexico, the cowboy is called a "vaquero," which is a form of the word "cow" (vaca), and one out of every three cowboys in the late 1800's was the Mexican vaquero. Vaqueros working on ranchos or missions were often individuals of mixed race and in the eyes of most Spaniards were nothing more than poor laborers on horseback. Vaqueros developed their skills of roping, branding and rounding up cattle after the Spanish conquistadors introduced them to horses and cattle.
Vaqueros provided not only the way of the work but the words of the trade. "Lariat" is derived from a vaquero's long rope of braided rawhide used for catching animals, called a riata. Other words from the Spanish such as canyon, chaparral (tough, thick brush), corral, chaps (protective leather leg coverings) hackamore (a headstall or a halter for a horse, usually made of braided rawhide), mustang (wild horse), and savvy (to comprehend) have found their way into the traditional cowboy's language.
Originally, Mexican cowboys held contests among themselves to show off ranching skills such as bronco riding and roping. Now these rodeo showmen have refined their act so that they provide high-quality entertainment to rodeo fans. A new type of Mexican cowboy or vaquero is the brave and proud charro. A charreada is basically a rodeo, and in Mexico it is a recognized sport with strict rules to be followed during the competitions. Both men and women are allowed to compete, wearing colorful costumes trimmed in silver studs. During intermissions, the horsemen make their mounts dance to a live Mariachi band, while vendors circulate in the stands selling refreshments and snacks.
The horsemen (charros) who compete at charreadas sometimes travel many miles for the competition. They usually start their training as small children because it is often a family tradition, and learn to perform rope tricks and fancy horsemanship on finely-trained steeds, along with bull riding, bronco riding, and steer roping. The charros say their sport is living history, an art form developed from actual skills of a life working on the ranch.
Here on the island of Cozumel vaqueros can most often be found working on horseback riding ranches and tours offered to island visitors. And typically during Cozumel's Carnaval, some vaqueros will dress to ride in the parades while others prefer to wait and show their skills at events held during Festival de Cedral each year in the month of May.
Come See Cozumel's Vaqueros for Yourself ! Reserve Online Today! |
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Support Our Website! Reserve a Fun Excursion Online!
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Atlantis Submarines Cozumel Adventure |
Don't even get wet but dive to depths of 100 feet in a REAL submarine piloted by a professional and licensed crew and experience why Cozumel remains one of the top dive destinations in the world.
US $105 Adults / US $65 Kids
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Cozumel Country Club & Golf Course |
Since its opening in 2001, the Cozumel Country Club, Nicklaus Design Group 18-hole golf course has been steadily attracting more travelers to Cozumel.
Tee Time Rates From US $99 for 18 Holes
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We just returned from our Cruise and wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for booking the Atantis for us. It was a great excursion at a great price and a smooth transaction. Thanks Again. Richard and Andrea ~ Vero Beach, Florida
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Sherri...thank you again so very much for your fantastic website and for your excellent stories on life in Cozumel. We fellow Texans that are not fortunate enough to actually live there are able to do it through you and we are all extremely grateful...and incredibly envious! Having been an airline employee until retirement I have been lucky to have been down island over 20 times and it NEVER gets old. I thought I knew all about Cozumel, but was delighted to learn of new things and places through you and your website. Your current posting of how you came to Cozumel was so cool. You really need to work on that book! Congrats on this milestone, and continued luck and success in all you do. See you in September for our annual trip down for my birthday and Mexican Independence Day. M. Goodwin ~ Dallas, Texas
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Sherri, my boss wants you to take down your webcam! It seems it is preventing me from getting any work done! I just stare at it all day. haha I will be there in two weeks. It's been since March since we spent a week there and I'm going through withdrawals. I hope Mezcalitos has the 'ritas ready for me. Jennifer ~ Louisiana
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I must admit, booking our excursion through you and not the cruise ship was unsettling but once we got to your facility all of our doubts were gone. Your park and staff were first class, professional, friendly and even the dophins looked happy. Thank you for a truly once in a life time experience. Your quick response to my e-mails was also appreciated. I can assure you I will recommend your park to anyone that tells me they are going on a cruise. Thanks again. Andressen Family ~ Belle Chasse, LA USA
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Your help was AMAZING! I’ll be sure to recommend it and the website to anyone visiting Cozumel!! D. Shavit (April 2018) ~ Jerusalem, Israel
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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