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 the art, evolved from the traditions that came to Mexico from Salamanca, Spain in the 16th century. When the Spanish first settled in Colonial Mexico, they were under orders to raise horses, but not to allow Native Americans to ride. However, by 1528 the Spanish had very large cattle-raising estates and found it necessary to employ indigenous people as vaqueros or herdsman, who soon became excellent horsemen. Smaller landholders, known as rancheros or ranchers, were the first genuine charros and they are credited as the inventors of the charreada. Prior to the Mexican Revolution, ranch work competitions were generally between