The protesters threw stones, hit the gates and assaulted members of the Ajijic Charros Association.
People protested in front of the Lienzo Charro (rodeo ring) de Ajijic, located on Revolución street, to demand its opening. Photo: Sofía Medeles.
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- People who attended the sayacas parade last Sunday, February 27 pounded on the gate, threw rocks and shouted , demanding to enter the Lienzo Charro (rodeo ring) de Ajijic, waiting for the «Toro de Once», a traditional charro rodeo that normally follows the parade.
Despite the fact that the Ajijic Charros Association had previously announced that this year the charreada would be canceled by agreement of the members of the association, the spectators followed the parade participants to the Lienzo Charro.
When their access was denied, a group of more than 100 people protested at the gates of the venue to demand to be let in, thinking that there was to be a private celebration. The president of the Charros Association, Ernesto Perez Reyes, who was present, confirmed the cancellation of the «Toro de Once,” for which he received verbal abuse and pressure from the crowd, who demanded access.
Perez Reyes clarified the reasons for not holding the tradition, as well as the reception, citing the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
«The planning time was very short. The green light was only given a week and a half before, so there was no opportunity for planning the event. Another reason were the capacity restrictions, due to Covid, in venues where events are held, as in the case of the Lienzo.»
The representative of the charros explained that the permitted limit is 70 percent of the site’s capacity and, if the state restrictions are ignored, there could be consequences such as citations, fines, and even closures or limitations on future events.
Under this logic, because the «Toro de Once» is an event that packs the Lienzo Charro to overflowing, the association decided to omit the event entirely so as not to exclude anyone from the tradition.
«It is a measure that was taken due to the restrictions of the pandemic and the lack of time, but the charros hope that next year it will be better organized, with all the tradition that has led us to be a Pueblo Mágico. Also, on behalf of the Association, we thank the participants, those who understood the situation, and those who did not understand as well, for continuing to be part of the customs of Ajijic,» concluded Pérez Reyes.
Translated by Sandy Britton
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