Debrecen4U August 14, 2026

Mexican Equestrian Tradition Comes to New City Hall Gallery

A photography exhibition entitled Charrería – The Soul of Mexico opened at the New City Hall Gallery on 14 August. On display for almost a month, the exhibition has been organised as part of a programme marking the centenary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and Mexico.

The exhibition presents a series of photographs by Hungary-based Mexican photographer Pilar Romo showcasing charrería, a Mexican tradition centred on the equestrian culture and elaborate customs associated with horse keeping. The photographs feature colourful costumes, the people who wear them, horses prepared for spectacular displays, and traditions preserved as part of family heritage, offering a glimpse of the visual traditions that continue to have a defining influence on Mexico’s visual culture.

At the opening of the photography exhibition, Deputy Mayor István Puskás was the first to welcome the guests, recalling that Hungary and Mexico have maintained official relations for 100 years. The Deputy Mayor highlighted Debrecen’s centuries-old tradition of international relations and commitment to building connections with cities, communities and cultures around the world. He considers it a source of pride that this tradition is continued, among other ways, through the only Hungarian–Mexican sister city relationship, established between Debrecen and Toluca in Mexico.

Many elements of Mexican culture have become part of our everyday lives, István Puskás stressed, adding that we can learn a great deal about the country through Mexican cuisine, music and even films. This exhibition, however, offers a much closer, more direct and authentic insight into this wonderful culture, as a Mexican photographer gives us a glimpse of Mexican traditions and everyday life through her work.

Her Excellency Rosario Asela Molinero, Ambassador of the United Mexican States to Budapest, thanked the organisers for the opportunity and said that the exhibition reminds us of the deep-rooted family traditions that connect Mexico and Hungary. The Ambassador recalled that charrería is a traditional practice and sport among Mexico’s livestock-raising communities, and that it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Skilled horsemen demonstrate their abilities on foot or horseback, wearing distinctive traditional dress and using equipment made by local craftspeople. Charrería is a defining part of local identity and cultural heritage, conveying important social values such as respect and equality, the Ambassador noted.

At the beginning of her address, photographer Pilar Romo emphasised that the photographs on display are particularly meaningful to her, as many of the people featured are members of her family. The clothes and the traditions they represent are part of their story, and several members of the family continue to preserve this heritage today through sport, livestock farming and working the land.

Charrería also tells us something that Mexicans and Hungarians alike can readily understand: the value of our roots and the importance of passing them on to our children. A tradition can remain alive only if the new generation learns about it and embraces it, the photographer stressed. “When we look at the pictures, we may first notice the horses, the hats and the colourful clothes, but I hope that, as they make their way through the exhibition, visitors will discover that behind every single image there is a story, a family, and a culture coming to life,” the artist said. Although Mexico and Hungary are geographically very far apart, we nevertheless share something that is important to all of us: the value and significance of our traditions, families and cultural identity, the artist said in concluding her address.

Following the official opening, one of Mexico’s most distinctive and best-known dances, the Jarabe Tapatío, was performed, after which guests were treated to traditional Mexican food and drinks as a surprise.

The exhibition can be viewed until 4 September during the New City Hall’s opening hours.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu