Welcome to the wild side!
Easter weekend in Rupununi sees the annual Rupununi Rodeo in vaquero country, as competition runs high among the various ranches of the region. Held annually over the Easter weekend in Guyana, the events start on the Saturday prior to Easter until Easter Monday. Many daytime activities take your breath away.The Rupununi Rodeo is an annual event held in Tabatinga, Lethem in the Rupununi, Region 9 of Guyana’s interior. The event is held over the Easter weekend, 2019’s dates being 20th and 21st of April.
Here Is What’s Happening This Year
Where Did It Start
Historically, cattle was reared in free range, extensive system. Every year, before the big rainy season, the ranching community would get together to do a large round up of the cattle which freely roamed between each other’s herd. This round up was done to make sure that the cattle were safely medicated, branded and accounted for before the Region drastically changed with the coming floods. After this round up, cowboys boasted of their skill in lassoing, bull riding or taming of horses. So, to celebrate a successful round up, the ranchers would hold a competition where the cowboys showcased their adventurous lifestyle, inviting neighbours from Brazil and even Georgetown. It is out of this lifestyle that Rodeo as an organised event and tourist attraction was born, retaining much of its spectacular wildness, adopting the slogan ‘welcome to the wild side’. This year, the theme Thrills, Spills and Skills honour that tradition as Rodeo in its nature is thrilling, dangerous and one must attain a skill through being part of that lifestyle for generations.
The style of cattle rearing and lifestyle practiced in the Rupununi is also unique because of its close links with the regions conservation; no forest is cut down, there are no intensified pastures, the animals are reared in Savannah as if they are wild, being brought in to the corral only a few times a year, so the animals you see are truly wild. Research has demonstrated that The Rupununi Ranching styles has minimal impact on the environment and actively promotes conservation by creating alternative sources for meat relieving pressure on wildlife such as capybara, tapir and even fish populations. It is this lifestyle rooted in a care for and dependence on the environment that is also celebrated at Rodeo, it combines traditional cattle rearing, conservation and tourism oriented activities that showcase the beauty of Rupununi’s blended heritage.
The rodeo is a sub- committee of the Rupununi Livestock Producers’ Association who depend on local ranches to contribute to the event, as well as use the event as a platform to raise funds and awareness about this unique and existing culture that blends ranching and indigenous traditions into what we know as the Rupununi Rodeo! The three main events are Bull Riding, Saddle Bronco and Bareback Bronco, other events include steer roping, barrel race and even horse racing. Spectators can join if they wish, in the tug-o-war, beer run and attempt to lasso a stationary bull’s horn!
Take A Peek Of The Rodeo
Come Explore The Rupununi
This year, Guyana Tourism Authority and Visit Rupununi, as in the past, have partnered with the Rodeo to use it as a gateway into exploring the Rupununi with package deals being offered at various Lodges, Ranches, Indigenous communities and other locations. So after a thrilling Rodeo you are encouraged to stay on and leisurely explore the Rupununi and fall in love with our home, as we have. The Rupununi Rodeo welcomes you to the wild side!
Click to learn More:
- Why You Need To Be At The Rodeo!
- Your Travel Options To Lethem From Georgetown, Guyana
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lethem for Your Next Vacation
Content Credit
Article: Kayla DeFreitas
Photographs: Amanda Richards
Video: Amazon Bushmasters
