Charreada a lane wide by long leading into a circle in diameter. In the opening ceremony, organizations and participants parade into the arena on horseback, usually accompanied by a mariachi band playing "Marcha Zacatecas". This signifies the long tradition of Charros being an auxiliary arm of the Mexican Army. The short charro jacket is remniscent of that worn by members of Villa's Army. The "charreada" itself consists of nine scoring events staged in a particular order for men. Unlike rodeos, most "charreadas" do not award money to the winners as charreadas are considered an amateur, rather than professional sport. Prizes may
Charreada in the United States. Mexican Americans in the United States also held various "charreadas" during the same period, but in the 1970s, the "Federación Mexicana de Charrería" (FMCH) began assisting them in establishing official "charreadas" north of the border. They are now quite common. At times, US champion teams compete in the national competition of Mexico. The participants in the "charreada" wear traditional "charro" clothing, including a closely fitted suit, chaps, boots, and a wide brim sombrero. The body-fitting suit of the charro, while decorative, is also practical; it fits closely to insure there is no flapping cloth to be