It is believed that it was the Indians who initiated the jaripeo, shortly after the Conquest when the bulls were brought into countryside by the Spaniards. They were forbidden on pain of death to ride horses because the colonizers believed it was this animal that helped them defeat the Indian armies.
The bulls, fierce, strange beasts, represented evil and subjugation for the newly enslaved Indians. So bull riding became a symbol of defiance and a mark of bravery, but it was permitted by the colonial authorities who saw it as harmless entertainment.
The major jaripeos have live bands playing chilena and cowboy ranchero
music and attract famous rodeo stars whose exploits are followed by the
sport's legions of fans.
For example, this month, on Saturday 10, there's a big money contest at Puerto's splendid Jaripeo arena, Plaza de Toros La Costeñita, run by the Carbajal brothers, best known here as the amiable owners of Cero Costa hardware store.
The jaripeo promises the fiercest bulls from the El Pretal de Oro Ranch, and their names prove it: "The Loosen Everything Up", "the Isolator" and "the Ventilator", for example. The jinetes, riders, most of whom are from the Central Valley have equally colorful names: The "Coyote", the "Mustang" and the "Greedy Single Guy," who will engage in a grudge rematch against Santiago de Wendulay for a 20,000 peso purse.
There is plenty of loud music to enliven the proceedings. This event
promises a battle of the bands featuring La Fiera de la Chilena and
Tierra Mojada. After the rodeo action, there will be a three-hour dance.
Tickets are 60 pesos in advance (at Cero Costa, El Dragon on the
Adoquín, Sombreros Tex-Mex, or at the offices of El Sol) and 80 pesos on
the night of the event, Children: 30 pesos.