Although similar to the Western rodeos of the United States, the charreada is unmistakably Mexican. When Spanish explorers and conquerors reintroduced the horse (which had roamed the North American plains some 12,000 years earlier), only noblemen were permitted to ride. By the 19th century, the development of large haciendas (estates) for agricultural purposes made horses an everyday necessity, and the charro (male rider) evolved from the requirements of raising livestock in open country.
Charros were resourceful, self-reliant men, familiar with the land and able to live off it. Charro contingents fought in the war to achieve Mexican independence, and charreadas, where native horseback riders gathered to show off their skills, became part of Mexican culture. The National Association of Charros (Asociación Nacional de Charros) was founded in Mexico City 1921, and in Guadalajara these events are still very popular.
Both charro and escaramuza (female) riders are expert at fancy horsemanship and roping. The focus is on style and finesse rather than competition, although some of the sidesaddle riding feats performed are of the daredevil variety. One of the chief pleasures of a charreada is viewing the elegantly ceremonial costumes on display (on both horses and riders). Men are decked out in white pleated shirts, black pants encrusted with silver buttons and a sombrero embroidered with gold or silver thread. Women wear lacy petticoats and brightly colored skirts decorated with lace and ribbons, and wear their hair braided and beribboned.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with friends, the arena Lienzo Charros de Jalisco, Av. Dr. R. Michel #577 (near Agua Azul Park), presents a charreada most Sundays at noon with different events as well as mariachi music. Admission begins at about $3 (U.S.); phone (33) 3619-0315.
Soccer (fútbol) is the most popular spectator sport. Professional team Club Deportivo Guadalajara (nicknamed “Chivas”) plays home matches at 49,000-seat Akron Stadium (Estadio Akron). Somewhat resembling a volcano in shape, it has an exterior largely covered by grass. The stadium is on Guadalajara's west side, just off the periférico ring road (Avenida Periférico Poniente Manuel Gomez Morin) via Avenida Circuito JVC. For schedule and ticket information, visit the stadium's website or phone (33) 3777-5700.
Guadalajara's year-round mild, sunny weather is ideal for golf. Some private courses allow visitors to play for a greens fee and proof of membership in a U.S. club; others are closed to nonmembers on weekends and holidays. Admittance to the immaculately maintained, 18-hole course at the Guadalajara Country Club is through a member, although the better hotels may be able to get their guests in. The country club is off Avenida Avila Camacho, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northwest of the downtown historic center.
The Atlas Country Club (18 holes) is southeast of the city, on Mex. 23 just south of Tlaquepaque (on the way to Lake Chapala); phone (33) 3689-2620. The Santa Anita Golf Club is on Mex. 15, about 7 kilometers (4 miles) south of the Periférico loop road; phone (33) 3686-0321. Colomos Park (Parque Colomos), south of Avenida Patria and west of the country club in the city's western sector, has a track and tree-lined paths for jogging, and offers a variety of fun things to do outdoors.