Charro Traditions
Cal Citrus- W. Honolulu & Mt. Vernon
Florencio Salas
1967 - 2007

Descanse en Paz.
The Cal Citrus Mural depicts a Charreada (Mexican Rodeo) with various events that show the tremendous courage, pride and skills of the Charros.
The Charreada was initiated in the sixteenth century when the first horses were introduced to South America by the Spanish Conquistadors. These horses were used in agriculture and cattle ranching as well as being developed for use as a cavalry. The first native vaqueros (cowboys) held informal contests to show off their horsemanship and ranching skills. The most skilled of the horsemen were called Charros and they constantly trained both themselves and their horses. The Charros were very highly revered for their balance, courage, dexterity, horsemanship, values and great character. Charros served then, as they do today, as positive roll models for society in general and specifically the children.
Throughout the years the Charros have been celebrated by Mariachis and folkloric dancers as they take opportunity to display their courage and skills in a Charreada.
Lindsay has a rich history in this tradition as several ranches in Lindsay have been used to train both the Charros and their very skilled horses. Angel Jauregui Sr. created the first Charro’s training facility in Lindsay in the 1960’s and his son Angel Jauregui Jr, has been a participant as a Charro for 30 years in Charreadas throughout the United States and Mexico. The Don Bessy Ranch and the Russ Keeley Ranch have been the hosts for such training for many years. Lindsay also has a Charreada arena on Avenue 242. At present Lindsay boasts over two dozen Charro participants.
Lindsay is also the headquarters of a media center that produces a quarterly magazine called “Charro USA Magazine,” a web site, “www.charrousa.com” and a web radio show. Mr. Gustavo Casillas, who resides in Lindsay, is the Publisher/Editorial Director and webmaster of these media offerings.
Thus Cal Citrus is pleased to present the Charro Mural which celebrates the multicultural heritage of this fine tradition.
"Charro Traditions" was dedicated on Sunday, January 14, 2007.
11/25/06- Dibond panels are ready and waiting for muralist Roger Cooke. 11/27/06- Roger has the start of the background blocked out. Evening temps have been in the low 30s. Brrrrr.....
12/5/06- In the early morning, at freezing temps, the face of the Charro is seen through the shadow of the scaffolding... Roger must be at breakfast, too cold to paint at this hour... 12/7/06- Roger continues in spite of the cold mornings, the afternoons are better... the horses are starting to appear, very real and alive... the details of the left oval are exquisite...
12/9/06- The horses are truely real in their coloring and structure... may have something to do with the fact that Roger kept horses for 45 years.... 12/13/06- Roger is coming down the home stretch on the left panel of this exciting mural. A few more details and it will be completed.
12/13/06- This view shows panel two to the right of the almost completed first panel. Roger has more to do to be finished by Christmas... 12/18/06- Roger braves the cold of the frosty night to project and trace the last part of the right panel image. The temp at 6:30 pm was 37º...bbrrrrr...
12/20/06- the left panel is 99% finished! 12/20/06- knowing he must leave to go home for Christmas, Roger worked quickly to start the second panel.
12/20/06- Close-ups of the wonderful faces that represent the spirit of this fascinating lifestyle. The lady is in progress at this time... 1/12/2007- Roger was at it, headphones on, busily painting at 5:15 PM, 44º... it is supposed to be 19º tonight.... hope the paint stays on the wall...
1/13/07- The muralist made a change in the bottom swash below the animals... 1/13/07- Right panel is almost finished, tomorrow is the dedication! Will the last horse be there?