Fiesta Huasa

Huaso, Gaucho, Llanero, Vaquero or Cowboy.  No matter the name, it is all the same.  When you hear the name you conjure a specific image - a bit rough and tumble, tough as leather, sitting on horseback.  They are skilled horsemen and a bit of an outlaw.  And this past Saturday, we went to a party full of them!

Each year, MadHatter's school unions organize a day out to celebrate Independence Day and it's most iconic of symbols - the Huaso and his dancing partner, his China.  They set up a set of bleachers on the baseball diamonds and create a makeshift rodeo ring.  And proceed to put on a great show.  Over 100 local Huasos and huasas parade out, compete in some barrel racing and greased pole climbing and some queca dancing.  All the while the teachers and security guards are all making choripan and hot dogs, cotton candy and churros.  There are also traditional games to be played and some bounce houses to jump in.  All in all, a day not to be missed.

The girls and I had a great time.  See for yourself...

Cotton Candy as big as their heads!

Finger lickin' good...

And gone in about 2 seconds.  

The opening parade.

Stinkerbell couldn't help but dance while the horses pranced.

She chose the number 13.  They have a Cuy (Guinea Pig) and put in the middle of a circle of boxes with small openings in them.  If the Cuy runs into your box,  you win a prize.

See something wrong with this picture?  We had them rectify it before they began.

After a full minute of just being terrified into immobility, the Cuy ran straight for the box on his left.  And cowered.

We hit the bounce house...

And boy did we take a flying leap!

We followed this guy to a place where the huaso's were giving out free pony rides.  It just cost you a small tip.  Guess where we ended up...Waiting, waiting and waiting in line. But MadHatter wanted to ride.  I had some free time so I snapped these guys horsing around (get it...horsing around...I crack me up)

She loved the ride.  But I do think it is funny that the boy leading her around isn't much older than she is!

We hung around a bit afterwards because they both wanted their picture taken. Yep, they asked!

And on our way out we figured we hadn't had enough treats (ok, they decided) and I still had a few tickets left that would be worthless outside of the parking lot, so we got some popcorn and churros.  A great ending to a great afternoon.