Why These Mexican American Women Are Crossing The Border Into Mexico | Style Out There | Refinery29

[@refinery29]

Would you travel to another country to do something that mattered to you? Share your opinions with us below!

[@anaroma356]

Refinery29 of course because if it matters to me than it worth the travel.

[@Cbgart]

I'm just waiting for the opportunity!

[@Fairestof]

Of course without hesitation.

[@sogood5373]

In a heartbeat in an absolute heartbeat

[@majalca03]

Fuck yeah!

[@ubaldomartinez3318]

Never in a million years would I have imagined this channel to pick up on this amazing sport. My respect to all the ladies who practice with sport with passion, dignity, and pride. Arriba Jerez, ZAC. 🐎🇲🇽.

[@refinery29]

+ubaldomartinez So glad this made you happy!!

[@snowangel7980]

Correction-- sexist sport. Why can't men participate?

[@ubaldomartinez3318]

Stephanie Lloyd I wouldn’t necessarily say this is a sexist sport since the charreria sport is male dominated. In this specific sport, men participate in nine events and the women only participate in one. This is 2019 and inclusion is imperative, but don’t see this specific event having men involved.

[@rodriguezrigoberto04]

Paisano!!!

[@snowangel7980]

@@ubaldomartinez3318 LMAO "inclusion is imperative." I wrote this comment sarcastically. You agree then that, because there is the male dominated boy scouts the girl scouts will suffice for the females yes?

[@Belldandy722]

My heart is full of respect for this reporter. She's always been so respectful to the people and sensitive to other people's cultures. This means a lot to me and especially in this video 💗

[@julietlexx]

This made me cry I’m so proud to be Mexican. Thanks for making this video and showing the world our beautiful traditions

[@refinery29]

+julietlexx Thank you for checking it out!!

[@jessiijessii2182]

I cried too

[@SergioGarcia-pb8ip]

Hey wass up

[@aideflorian6513]

juliet lexx omg me too. I’m sobbing in my car right now.

[@fernandodejesusortiz6383]

Do not cry pretty girl !!

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

This made me emotional. I immigrated from Ireland 17 years ago and it can be lonely here. I made a lot of good friends from Mexico and I didn't feel so alone anymore. Good for those girls!! I hope more ladies get involved all over the country and don't forget who they are. 🇮🇪🇲🇽

[@jonlauer6754]

@@stone0234 Bet it was the patron

[@ecodumpster1842]

Right on bro! Irish people are dope.

[@fionatilson2317]

I’m from Ireland and I love horse riding

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

@@jonlauer6754 I don't drink. But thanks for showing us your bigotry. 👍It may have more to do with our cultures having more in common than I would with the average American that loves telling everyone their grandmother was Irish yet have no idea about anything to do with Ireland.

[@kyaroriina2023]

I was an Escaramuza in my teens here in Tijuana. My team actually won third place nationally. It’s the best time I’ve ever had in my life and so in touch with my culture. It made me feel so strong as a woman. It’s a very feminist sport because of what it represents.

[@mari.jimgo22]

I was too an Escaramuza here in Tijuana! I took a break this year because im starting University and its honestly so demanding but seeing this made me tear up. Saludos y mucho exito!

[@refinery29]

+kyarorlina2023 That's awesome! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@ivannas5540]

Lmao I live in Tijuana and had never heard of Escaramuza before, guess I don’t know my city that well lol

[@kyaroriina2023]

/My dog hates me/ 😂😂😂 unfortunately it’s not a “popular” sport and there’s no publicity done for it. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@christinave5156]

You're so lucky!

[@gihankanishka]

I'm from Sri Lanka however seeing this makes me sooo happy and proud seeing cultures brought up to be seen by the world. Thank you Mexico and thank you @Refinery29

[@gihankanishka]

@Angelina 🤗🤗💐💐 that is so nice.

[@gihankanishka]

@VeniVidiVici oh wow

[@gihankanishka]

@ratiuss quetzl 🤗🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@duchessfierygirl3341]

Yo! Represent. Sri Lanka itself is sometimes very less than ideal. I went back this summer after a few years and I realized why I hate it. But you seem awesome! Rock on my dude.

[@gihankanishka]

@@duchessfierygirl3341 well i kids agree with you on that the country is magical but people can be ugly that is the issue. Wish you the best fairy.👸🧚🏽‍♀️👩🏽

[@alessandradonnelly1941]

Wow, their dresses are amazing!!

[@Duck-nb4ci]

ikr!

[@rra7490]

Alessandra Donnelly Yes! Where can we buy some!?

[@manueldesant4849]

They make them in Jalisco here where I am from ... Oaxaca, Michoacán Zacatecas too each state has their own particular stamp to make the traditional Mexican clothing like shown here

[@Renanaguilar]

They are so nice that Ralph Laurent even copied them, not flattered because he is not a real designer....but just to set the mood that even waspy pseudodesigners even notice their beauty.

[@crisc.castillo979]

Let's hope this doesnt get gentrified as well.

[@triggurhappy]

So proud of my Mexican culture! Arriba Zacatecas y Jalisco! 🌵

[@itsalladream5559]

Jalisco no se raja!

[@aamway01]

Santa Maria Del Los Angeles Jalisco!!!

[@nanccyyy]

Tepatitlan de Morelós , Jalisco 🇲🇽🗣❤️

[@triggurhappy]

Mxyzptlk -25% yeah cool, bruh

[@ArmandoPerez-kg7vi]

Sombrerete Zacatecas!

[@_sustosotsus_9240]

The narrator does such a great way showing this side of Mexico. Thank you! I am not sure what her name is but I feel like she really honors the escaramusas. I love the diversity of all the refinery stories and the powerful stories of all these women

[@refinery29]

+susanabarrientos We're so glad you appreciate our content!

[@adejareojo]

Connie Wang😑

[@vanexoxo21]

I'm 12 I'm Mexican American and my parents are just Mexican so they don't speak English and I'm the eldest whenever we're ordering food at a restaurant or fast food place if the cashier doesn't speak Spanish then I order for them that's the least I can do after them working really hard like we don't struggle economically even other have asked me for help because they don't speak Spanish and I don't even know them but I'm glad to help if I can I remember in 2nd grade there was this boy who came from Mexico so he only spoke Spanish and so I would translate for him and help him out now we're both in 7th grade we both have English Pre AP or honor class and Spanish was both our first language like we don't talk I'm more of a sorta shy person and he really outgoing he's funny and I also have Math Pre AP 9r honors class but he doesn't and I'm glad I helped him 🇲🇽👏👍✌ Edit: tysm!! To everyone I'm 13 now going 14 in October going to hs and ima be taking math 2 with Chemistry so ima be a year ahead of all Freshmans and taking honors English and I also got a Juniors scholarship in promotion Edit: School is going well and yes I do have Honnors English, Math 2, and as my electives I have Spanish for Spanish Speakers and Construction

[@mrjamila88]

You strong mija. Hichale ganas en la escuela. Don’t give up on your dreams and be proud of who you are. ❤️🙌🙌

[@vanexoxo21]

@@mrjamila88 aww thanks I really appreciate this comment and I hope you have a nice day

[@refinery29]

+vanessahi Thanks so much for watching & sharing your story with us!

[@palehorchata4281]

@@mrjamila88 sigale echando ganas chavita. Im first generation with spanish being my first language and i know what youre going through. Sometimes it will be hard but never give up. Tu puedes con todo. 👊

[@sannor5929]

You sound so mature for someone so young! I hope that you never lose sight that you are who/what you are because of the risks your parents have taken to afford you and your siblings more opportunities, and that there’s always opportunities to pay it forward. Don’t stop at helping those immediately around you. Keep working hard in school, so you can one day help your community. We need every single bright, hard-working, self-motivated child to be an educated force of change for the better.

[@LitleMisLuv]

My father is from Zacatecas and I know little to nothing about it because he has always told me that there was nothing good from where we were from that’s why he moved but seeing this made want to learn more of where my family is from. It made me cry.

[@refinery29]

Adriana Macias Wow! That’s so sweet! Thanks for watching!

[@triggurhappy]

I’m a California girl born and raised, I’ve been coming to Zacatecas every year since I was born and I cannot thank my parents enough for bringing me. Zacatecas is breathtaking. I’m currently living here since I’ve always wanted to try life here and I’m so happy! Come visit!

[@v.aguirre9106]

Zacatecas is a beautiful state with many beautiful things to see from hot springs mountains mines great city and beautiful people.

[@SimplyyLizzie]

California girl as well. My father is the complete opposite. He instilled in me to be proud of Zacatecas and from where he came from. The state is beautiful and breathtaking from the mines, teleferico, the alleys, the mountains, and the culture. My heart aches when I’m not able to visit. I hope some day you see the beauty of the state.

[@pixieinpink0795]

My mother was born in Zacatecas but raised in California and one thing I thank god is my grandparents never ever let us forget where they came from. I was fortunate enough to go back every single summer as a kid. I lost both my grandparents in 2018 and I went back to that house in December, we now talk about selling that house and the pain that brings is unexplainable because that house in that small village in the middle of the Zacatecas desert 🌵 is full of memories that we will never relive... if you take anything from this go to Zacatecas get to know your culture, your people your food... and yes YOUR don’t continue to be cheated from all that beauty that belongs to you 😍 just a humble tip from a super proud ZACATECANA AMERICANA 😘

[@CD-wv2bd]

The underdogs from Illinois had my heart. I'm Mexican American, born in Chicago, Illinois and now live in Los Angeles California. These women are the pride of our Beautiful Mexican American Culture.

[@xochitlsancheznochebuena223]

I consider myself to be a Zacatecana, although born in Chicago. My family comes from generations of charros. My parents ranch had two lienzo charros and another for jaripeo before we even had cement or asphalt streets. Seeing these women overcome obstacles that one can only imagine to practice this sport is inspiring. When I think about how hard it is to find 7 other like minded women who will sacrifice time and dedication to the sport without the accessibility to the tools is amazing. Your team is more like a family that you devote unity, loyalty, and integrity to. ¡Felicidades, que orgullo! ¡Arriba Villanueva! ¡Arriba Zacatecas!

[@menosolis7569]

Arriva el EL OJO DE AGUA DE LOS SOLISES

[@aaliyahc.10]

I think all cultures are so beautiful. This made me tear up watching this because it's sad that people in America feel pressured to hide their heritage. This is simple amazing.

[@taiweannoona1204]

I feel the same sadness. It's such a shame. Personally, I don't want to know an America without diversity. Give me America with all the cultural might it can muster!

[@Lunarpixie22]

Thank you for making this video connie! Couldn't stop crying from hearing the stories of struggle, faith and hard work. Love how you always not just represent the fashion but take time to see and learn about the culture! Thank you! Viva Jalisco y Michoacan!

[@refinery29]

+carinaluna Thank you for watching & for leaving a positive message!

[@AV-xm5ln]

Carina Luna Its Michoacan.

[@Lunarpixie22]

@@AV-xm5ln thanks

[@magalyplacencia1677]

@Steven A. but this is tapatío. It originated in Jalisco.

[@marinaespinoza3720]

Great job, Connie! You honored our strong women & community in thid stort. Peace and love to you! P.S. You are invited to all of the carne asadas❤❤❤💕💕💕

[@adrianduran3371]

Lets get one thing. Rodeo AND the cowboy came out oficina Charrería AND charros. The "west" sattle AND chapa área actually mexican that americans adopted when came to Texas

[@daniellozada3408]

Dustin Heath lets get one thing straight there are no vaqueros in Spain they originated in Mexico

[@daniellozada3408]

Dustin Heath they weren’t vaqueros 😂😂 that word didn’t even exist in the 1500s until the early 1600 the first Mestizos(Mexicans) came up with the style and culture

[@daniellozada3408]

Dustin Heath 😂😂so basically you just don’t like the fact that Mexicans created the cowboy culture even tho was created in Mexico by Mexicans??🤷🏽‍♂️

[@daniellozada3408]

Dustin Heath and yes Mexico existed way before the Spaniards

[@henryhurtz8542]

@Dustin Heath Daniel is right on this one .... Mexican were the first cowboys, vaqueros.... which was the word the Spaniards used to describe the first native Americans (Mexican) on hores back. Mexicans we're the first to steal (aquire) this "sky dog"....the exact definition of it was, native American warrior on horseback.

[@anamariauribegranados3692]

My aunt is a prominent figure escaramuza in Jalisco and it’s sad that not many Mexican Americans or 3rd gen Mexicans don’t know about this beautiful sport and how empowering it is. Charrería and Escaramuza are sports that is 100% Mexican and people should know it so thank you for reporting on this

[@JessicaSmith-zb7sq]

This made me cry. Thank you for showing these remarkable women. It makes me so happy to see people maintain the practices of their culture, especially during a time when we are all being attacked for who we are. So proud that these women live in my country.

[@BlackBerryTrees]

wow... I cried watching this video. It's so beautiful to see such strong women standing up for their complex identities, working hard to make their dreams a reality and owning their space in this world.

[@nannetteenriquez3402]

BlackBerryTrees the thing is, in USA we are not considered Americans and in Mexico we are no longer Mexican so yes, we do need to have a very strong sense of identity.

[@AngeliqueFelice]

2:15 "What does it mean to double down on your heritage when lots of people are telling you to leave it behind?" This phrase resonates with me so hard for two reasons. 1) I'm Mexican American and I had no clue about this sport. I was raised SO whitewashed growing up in El Paso because of the shit my parents and grandparents went through growing up, but now as an adult, I'm trying to hard to re-connect, learn the language, and understand what my ethnic background means to me. 2) I like the timing of this video after the "Chicana culture in Japan" video and it reaffirms my outlook on the existence of that Japanese subculture. I don't see people of Japanese nationality shitting on my culture like non-Mexicans shit on it in the US - my home country. Therefore, I'm fine with their appreciation of my subculture. But if you're gonna talk shit about my offrenda in November but use calavera makeup in your next "beauty influencer" IG post, then that's the problem.

[@knightawz]

no one cares

[@nicholasrivera9280]

Angelique, if you were born in the United States you are an American. It is perfectly fine to be proud of your Mexican heritage like I am but to say Mexican-American as if you are different from any white person who was born here is foolish, no white person says "I'm European-American" because of their ancestry, they're American just like you and I. Be proud of your roots but don't put labels on yourself that makes you feel like you aren't fully apart of this country.

[@knightawz]

agreed @@nicholasrivera9280

[@Themoonslore]

you're words completely resonated with me. I'm Mexican-American but I feel like been so whitewashed too. I grew up in the middle of nowhere in a small fishing town in Alaska where there was basically no Hispanic. I know more about Native American, Asian, and white culture than I do about my own Hispanic culture and it sucks but it's been interesting trying to learn more about my root

[@refinery29]

+angeliquefelice Wow, that is so powerful! Thank you for sharing your story with us!

[@esml373]

i'm not familiar with mexican culture but this was so interesting! and WOW their dresses are gorgeous!

[@xochitlsancheznochebuena223]

esml did you know Dior took inspiration from the escaramuza dresses for a campaign they had a few years ago. Look up Dior escaramuza!!! Awesomeness🥰

[@paulinamendez2568]

So happy you think that since I’m from Zacatecas 😌

[@teddybearaf1477]

I’m Mexican America I don’t know much about my culture and the clothing always makes me so happy because of how beautiful it is

[@lauriemove]

Now THIS is beauty and power. Control of the animal, ones self, and time, simply amazing. The culture is brought foward with respect and understanding from both sides, it was done exactly the way it should be. Good job.

[@Vianeigh863]

I grew up in the charro scene. I wanted to be an escaramuza. And I never did. I think it’s time for me to go back.

[@riddlersongs8544]

good luck

[@elenaICELOVE]

It really is,go for it. I think it would make you happy :)

[@tiffprendergast]

VNA hows that going

[@nannetteenriquez3402]

VNA go for it!

[@marianarodriguez88]

I was an escaramuza and when I moved from Mexico 🇲🇽 to United States 🇺🇸 I stoped 😢... I love seeing other guts being able to practice the sport here!!.!. Los mejores años de mi vida y siempre en mi corazón ❣

[@ohanalilly]

I'm literally in tears after watching this, thank you so much 💖 💖 for making this segment about them, the story behind the Adelitas is so so much more than the dresses and there is such an empowerment is having all this young girls wanting to be and learn about Escaramuzas. Que Viva México!!!!

[@melissaycarlos4970]

I love being mexican i was born in the US but my both my parents were born in México and i moved to México with my husband and live closer to my family i love my culture the music the food the vibe and the traditions❤️😘🥰😍

[@captainjaximus65]

I plan to go to the Philippines one day to see my mother's hometown and learn the culture there. I'm learning to speak tagalog right now, and one day I plan to help educate and keep alive the culture and history wherever I am. Thank you for these videos!!

[@refinery29]

+jacksonmclean Thank YOU for checking them out!!

[@arianbarton4475]

Philippines is beautiful

[@chinchanchou]

The filipinos have hispanic culture same... here in iberomérica all hispanic thinking filipinos are brothers rubber for the gringos

[@electralux007]

The part about parents relying on the kids as a personal translator really resonates with me. I work in a children's shoe store in Fort Myers FL and I always try so hard to speak exclusively Spanish to my customers that can't speak English. A little girl told me once that she gets so tired of having to translate but she knows it's her job... and that made me feel so shitty. I always feel stupid when I speak Spanish because I feel like I mispronounce everything but I try so hard... if I can do something to make a kid feel more like a kid, I'll happily butcher my high school lvl Spanish lol

[@yoliepearl2214]

♥️

[@mathnerd25]

its great you at least know something to say. That counts BIG

[@hazelcollins7667]

I speak Spanish but I still read the subtitles haha

[@angiedelacruz6586]

Hazel Collins me too I’m afraid of forgetting it

[@robbb416]

I thought I was the only one. 😩😭

[@lucianaalcantarcontreras7353]

Como sabes? Me paso lo mismo

[@enriquegranados5179]

Yo solo hablo español. Leo los subtitulos en inglés para entender, sin subtitulos no les entiendo.

[@dorkbaitart]

¡Viva Escaramuzas! Gracias por el video, Refinery 29, yo amo aprender sobre la cultura de Mexico.

[@valdohdez8069]

Q gringa tan chula saludos

[@leticiaadrumond1]

So beautiful to see this ladies celebrating their culture! Im brazilian, but i love to see people being proud of the culture regardless whitch one is.

[@kman6716]

It made me cry and I’m not even Mexican.Divine ,love everything Mexican .💐🙏🏻

[@scarletivy8524]

I miss Mexico and I miss my grandparents. They passed in Mexico. I came here to the US when I was little and I havent been to Mexico in 10+ years. Didn't think this video would make me cry yet here i am.

[@elisabeth1st]

These women are amazing and represent their heritage with pride, strength and dignity. Thank you for this insightful piece.

[@RG-sb2yb]

Wow this segment made me cry !!! I’m so proud of being Mexican ❤️ Keep up the good work

[@timmytube12]

I'm not a Mexican but I love learning about other cultures and thier history. Love Mexico❤❤😊

[@dorkakovacs9977]

Beautiful documentary! As a hungarian, I see a lot of similarities to hungarian culture (the fashion, embroidery and the horses), but it is also very interesting to see the differences

[@taiweannoona1204]

Yayyyy Hungary is in the house!💖

[@alenemarie1726]

I tested up and cried multiple times throughout this video. Seeing these amazing women on horseback doing such hard things was phenomenal. Seeing their joy at performing and showing that Mexican Americans are just as valid made me so happy. Thank you for these segments.

[@debbieochoa8525]

This is beautiful and so brave women. Viva Mexico! Bonita's y Valiente!👍😊💜

[@abrilstorms]

I am Mexican from Mexico, but have been living in the U.S since I was 8 and I have never heard of Escaramuzas, and I am ashamed. I thought I knew about my culture and beliefs but after watching this, I need to dive more into my heritage. Now that I’m having a little girl, I want her to know ALL about our heritage. Can’t wait!

[@Justathought-bh7bw]

Something about a women in a Mexican style dress that makes my heart skip a beat😍🌹💖

[@user-st7jt2zl5k]

Go to Mexico and look for it

[@tiffprendergast]

The Fountain yup

[@richasshole3084]

Awwwww that’s so sweet!!!

[@Justathought-bh7bw]

@@richasshole3084 😊

[@kaylennava9106]

This video really hit home 😭 Being Mexican American it’s a true honor seeing your culture being in shown in such a positive light, since it’s not frequent lately. I hope to see more videos like this from many other channels. Y arriba Chicago y Tab, ZACATECAS!!!! 🤪❤️

[@Mclovinlove13]

This is amazing! Being Mexican, from Chicago and family from Zacatecas who actually participate in Charrerea makes me so proud! I come from a family of Charros and I’m glad the light has been shined on such an amazing part of Mexico. Arriba Mexico!

[@mrjamila88]

So beautiful. So proud of my Mexican heritage. Made me tear up when the young lady saw her grandfather etc. so proud of them 🙌❤️❤️🇲🇽

[@nellyresendiz5461]

Viva Mexico! Nuestras mujeres son guerreras 💪🏽 🇲🇽 💋

[@Michelle-cv8eq]

Thank you so much for making this video, Im mexican american, born in texas but i currently live in mexico, have been since i was little. We did it the other way around haha and im so glad we did, its a really hard country but beautiful, it helped a lot to shape the person i am today, and im pretty proud.

[@SimplyyLizzie]

I’m tearing up. Thank you for showcasing the beautiful cultural sport of escaramuza I grew up with. Thank you for showcasing my father’s beautiful state of Zacatecas, the place I call home as well even though I live in California.

[@refinery29]

+elizabethgonzalez Thank you so much for checking it out!! :)

[@peppermartinez9581]

Elizabeth Gonzalez

[@MrSmitheroons]

Neat video! Yes, Mexico has lots of culture. Of course... Thousands of years, actually! Glad to see some people working hard to link to these older traditions to the here and now, and to keep the connection between our two countries! (America would be less without its beautiful neighbors in Mexico!)

[@ayax358]

Thank you

[@elsienatenkate9004]

What a badass group of women!!!! In awe!!!

[@nannetteenriquez3402]

Elsiena ten Kate k Chingonas!!

[@soundxcrash]

wow thats cool i mean when the horses all at full speed intercrossed each other and didnt bat and eye. and how they trained in thunder those horses looked assured and strong. i really like the dresses so eye catching in a good way. i also like the color of there horses very beautiful how it looks like they even match in terms of matching the color to the line. i wanna go and watch this looks fun

[@marinaespinoza3720]

Great job, Connie! You honored our strong women & community in this story! P.S. You are invited to all of the carne asadas!! ❤❤💞💞🌮🌮

[@ohhoneyhani9963]

My mother's side is from el monte zacatecas with aunts and cousins from jerez and to see this segment made me so proud like i was close to tears so many times especially since my grandmother on my mothers side is the last grandparent i have that i can visit. i kind of wish i had known more about this but it goes to show there is still room to learn from my mother as i ask her about it.

[@jorgecuervo24]

Dads mustache is amazing

[@alem1079]

I feel very proud and honored to be Mexican🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@Laughingcoyote1213]

Awesome video. I loved following their stories till competition day. Mucho amor a todas las mujeres que compitieron.

[@3arthwoven]

Having family on both sides makes us brothers and sisters. Only hate and greed threaten the way we have been forever.

[@Aphorim]

You forget the most important factor: History. It's quite easy to speak of love and tolerance when Mexico is "so far from God and so close to the US". Our history has been bloody, cruel and most ironically filled with betrayal from "brothers and sisters". Hence the word Malinchista.

[@radicafantasy6887]

It's funny how most Americans will look down on people like these and other cultures when in fact these people have more culture and a culture that is rich and way older than the American culture...if there is really one...I feel the american culture is an immigrant culture, the same is true for Canada...and we should celebrate it all, just because your forefathers were immigrants before mine doesn't mean we're not part of the culture too and don't belong.

[@SadeMetsavirta]

love her reporting on these interesting topics, learning so much about different cutures and women in them :> Mexican fashion is so fun and pretty!

[@ra4207]

I just did my DNA and this is a part of my culture. I always heard my Great Grandmother was apart of Women's Warriors fighting in the war. This was the beginning. I have tears. Powerful. Thank you for this great work

[@MSaldivar81]

I am first generation born in the United States, my parents and family are from Guadalajara/Zapopan. I am so proud to have been raised to be proud of my heritage and traditions yet brought up to respect and embracing the various cultures around me, here, in California. I hope everyone that watches this video takes something positive and beautiful from it.

[@carter_1]

Just another reason to see & appreciate the beauty and richness of each dif culture. Amazingly beautiful & talented ladies

[@leopoldo4561]

3 years after posting this video I came across it and all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. Mireya's life is something I found myself really relating to a lot. Seeing her with her grandpa and family in zacatecas made me tear up from happiness and felt like I was in a way spending time with mine and gave me some sort of closure in a way so again thank you so much! You don't even know how much this video helped me..... P. S - I also have a picture on top of a donkey when I was a toddler hahah my dad's side of the family are very much so involved with horses the men as trainers and horse jockeys, and some of my girl cousins also participated as escaramusas. One is still last time I checked. .

[@gggarcia7955]

So proud of my cousin, 💗 i will be following her step soon

[@meteor2012able]

I am 87 yo Mexican-American and this family is making AMERICA a great nation. Wonderful people!! VIVA AMERICA!

[@Tanniab09]

Great video. Made me cry. Very proud of the women. No matter what culture you’re from stay proud.

[@RoseRitonya]

My grandmother fled Nicaragua when she was just 16. She lied about her age so she would be considered an adult and allowed to enter the country. I do not look anything close to Hispanic. My father’s coloring very much reflects his heritage, but I look more like my mother - just another pale American with European ancestors. But I remember being young, with a dress like the ones featured in this video gifted to me by my grandmother. I remember her telling me about the family she left behind there, the coffee farm confiscated by the government, her worry when tensions grew worse, the annual trips she would make and the money she would send there. This video made me reevaluate my cultural heritage. And I think it’s high time I ask my grandmother for more stories about what her life was like there, while she’s still around to ask. So thank you.

[@NoOneHere2Day]

Just so you know, there's no such thing as looking Hispanic.

[@refinery29]

+roseritonya Wow! Thank you for sharing your story with us!

[@gothbunny_]

saying hispanic, literally ties you to Spain...a white country. Hispanic isn't a race and neither is latino.

[@daniellozada3408]

Rose Ritonya Nicaragua’s culture has nothing to do with this tho.

[@gustavobarajas6155]

HISPANIC is WHITE EUROPEAN ETHNICITY!! If younare Hispanic you have European heritage!

[@TheMichael408]

I hate how people come on here to comment hateful stuff. Orale mi raza!

[@stephaniemorales1397]

Thank you for doing this. Yes I’m a time when one feels scared to be a proud Mexican American 🇺🇸. This warmed my heart. God bless you ❤️🇲🇽

[@ZapaChava]

Love the fact that you guys did a video of Escaramuzas! Also those silver earrings that she wears are called “Arracadas Jerezanas” which are made in Jerez, Zacatecas! Beautiful dresses, accessories, and sportsmanship!

[@cindyfelix9296]

True that I got golden ones

[@AlexandraMoran21]

Yes ! My mom is from Jerez , I love Zacatecas 🇲🇽

[@marianas615]

This is hands down one of my favorite videos of all time. I'm mexican and when i was a little girl i dreamt of being an escaramuza, my uncle is a charro and lives on Queretaro so I had the chance to ride horses and wear a beautiful dress as a kid. It truly gives you confidence as a woman because you remain yourself but stronger. Gracias por este video tan hermoso.

[@refinery29]

+marianas Wow, what an amazing comment! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@edwardwalker9412]

Keeping a beautiful culture alive is so awesome. The Ballet on horseback is so intense.

[@allrightyougotit]

Thank you so much for this video, my daughter belongs to a Escaramuza in Baja California Mexico, and I know the hard work it takes to practice this beautiful sport.

[@arinane44]

THIS VIDEO MADE ME CRY OF HOW PROUD I FELT OF THIS MEXICAN LOVELY LADIES KEEP REPRESENTING OUR CULTURE

[@MzC00ki327]

Never heard of Escaramuza before but by the end of the video, it brought me to tears. Thank you for showing the beauty of Mexican culture 💙

[@stefanherns4541]

THANK YOU CONNIE WANG! Such an AWESOME STORY About our culture! It's nice to see something positive about Mexican Women!

[@FirstLast-ej2cy]

9:40 listening to her grandpa's talking made me miss my grandpa so much muchh❤ I was raised by my grandparents in Mexico till the age of 7 when i met my parents in the US... ever since i never got to see him again. RIP papa y viva Mexico

[@vanessas1494]

i love how they prayed right before starting the competition :)

[@gogoogaga8136]

"last time i went to mexico was in 2015 and that was the last time i saw my grandma alive" oh my goodness i relate to this soooo much. Last time i went to mexico was for my quinceañera in 2015 and that was the last time i ever saw my beautiful abuelita

[@TheaBabyGirl19]

I really like this reporter. She’s so respectful to all her interviewees and their cultures. I appreciate that.

[@francescafrancesca3554]

(Hey, just to add, this sport isn't in every part of the country, is more present in the north etates of the republic than anywhere else. Mexico is like a hundred different countries in one so what's seems absolutely normal to one state can be almost an alien thing for another. Anyways, as a Mexican; amazing video, ¡gracias por compartir esto con nosotros!)

[@Ishowspeedliker]

Its more popular in Zacatecas but i have seen it in Guanajuato and Jalisco and all these are considered south.

[@TheKittyWiskers]

Yeah, we do have them in Jalisco and Guanajuato (which I would consider center, not south) but they're not as important as in the north, and many of us are against charreria for the abuse towards the animals

[@EduardoRodriguez-ks4em]

Sorry to contradict you, here in Querétaro is very common. Even in nearby states like Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Estado de México.

[@carlosserrano8425]

Que desconocimiento la charrerìa está por la gran mayoría de los Estados en México incluso en el lejano Quintana Roo, también en años recientes la celebración de un Congreso Nacional en Chiapas

[@riosanto6296]

Sorry to interject in your conversation, but the Charro is typical of all of Mexico 🇲🇽. It just that it became more popular in the northern states. It began with the big Spanish Ranchos( haciendas) of New Spain. Vaqueros (cowboys) started this amazing tradition of the charreria. .

[@Tlatoanimeh]

What a wonderful way to showcase just one single thread of the wonderfully complex and colorful fabric that is Mexican culture; informative yet touching, exotic yet relatable, and above all, very human. Thank you so much for the very dignified and respectful way in which you have presented this tiny part of my Mexican heritage to the rest of the world. Much respect and love for you, and the wish that life gives you what you give to others.

[@sahairamurillo8857]

😭😭 thank you for showing our struggles. My heart did a flip when I saw a Jerez Zacatecas sign! That’s where my family is from and they left because of violence

[@leekilby9470]

Beautiful story, beautiful people. Thank you Refinery 29 for bringing the world together like one family through your stories.

[@tiffanygaldamez7597]

I’ve learned so much of my Mexican heritage from videos like this and i really appreciate how beautiful it is. I am 4th gen and i find it very hard to connect with my culture because of how Americanized I grew up. I’m half Mexican and half Guatemalan and I often find myself feeling as if I have no connection to either which is very heartbreaking. I’m too Hispanic for American culture and too American for Hispanic culture. I find myself often seeking to fit in

[@florelenaestrada8986]

I'm Zacatecana and I'm deeply humbled that you guys made a video about our escaramuza girls and our culture that I'm really proud of. Arriba Zacatecas!

[@Drod.riguezm]

I never thought I’d see the day that someone made a video about Zacatecas and my people!!!! Arriba Fresnillo Zacatecas!!!

[@jesuschristsaves392]

I love the documentary it's amazing to see their tenacity and determination and love for family and also their camaraderie with other teammates I love it when they prayed our Father together

[@pabskingofswing7540]

This was very well produced. My family is composed amof charros and escaramuzas. My two cousins have won the Nationals several times and travel accross Mexico and the US to teach teams. I always wondered about those teams in the US and this documentary is a good window.

[@Ceciaguilr]

'I'm not sure if I'm more Mexican or American. I'm kind of like In between,' I felt that deep. Beautifully said. 😭😭😭

[@BrightElk]

I'm glad I watched this video because it helped me understand where Mexican Americans are coming from when they don't speak English. I wish I had learned sooner. Not that I hated them for not speaking English. It was more of a misguided concern I suppose. I thought "their life will be more difficult the less English they speak." But I realize now that that is their choice and it's a part of their identity. If they feel happier speaking Spanish or that it is just easier and helps them relax then that's what they should do. It's not our place to decide that for them. I wish I could apologize to my old friends in San Antonio. But I can only hope that they knew what was in my heart.

[@nannetteenriquez3402]

Hazel Equinox family is most important for us and it is imperative that we don’t forget Spanish in order to communicate with our relatives n Mexico and honor our elders. Our Grandparents get greatly offended if we don’t speak Spanish.

[@fcplop98]

i dont understand what made you feel ir anyone else feels entitled to tell other people what language they should speak in the first place. Anyways, i hope it humbled you and made you realize you shouldn’t be telling other people whats best for them.

[@lovelyelii2003]

I'm so overjoyed to see these lovely young ladies keeping Mexican traditions alive. Congratulations you have all honored Mexicos beautiful traditions. I hope this inspires others to follow in your well printed footsteps.

[@ACOMX-jl4zf]

If you don't know where you came from, don't know where you go. Viva Mexico💚🎮❤💪

[@snowyalice]

Not only are they riding in really heavy big dresses, they're riding side saddle. I am so impressed with these women.

[@esme9861]

I learn more and more everyday about my mexican heritage and I am proud of it

[@cynthiab5034]

Dang, the part where she reunited with her family really got to me. Mostly because I witnessed this last December. My parents weren't documented, so they hadn't been back to Mexico for years. My mom hadn't seen her family for over twenty years, and well when they were finally approved (now they're on track for citizenship), we planned a visit to Puebla, Mexico. And I can still remember how everyone started crying when my mom reunited with her family. Although they spoke frequently on the phone, nothing beats seeing someone in person...

[@kindlykaren9680]

It relates so much to how i feel. An outsider because we are women and Mexican American. The sport I had no clue existed. I appreciate the sport and hope these women accomplish their dreams!

[@refinery29]

+kindlykaren Thanks for leaving a positive comment!

[@andryberumen667]

Omg! Im so excited. I never thought I will see la charreriá here. Im not a escaramuza but I have been riding al estilo charro since I was a little girl. You go my ladies! Keep your heritage high. Being Mexican is an honor, and being Mexican-American is a blessing. Arriva la mujer charra!!!! #Zacatecas #Strong #Determined #Greatness #Woman #Power.

[@chavaj789]

Does anyone remember when Dior had Jennifer Lawrence pose for a launch inspired by there uniforms. I was really upset about it. They missed a great a opportunity to use a Mexican/Mexican American actor.

[@veronicastyles8143]

Im actually from Zacatecas , and I’m so proud and happy to see my state be mentioned thank you

[@Yoli.]

I can defiantly relate to what was said in the video about feeling in limbo between cultures.

[@frankpichardo5299]

It’s easier to identify as an American, you don’t even have to be born here to do so, it’s all about your attitude. Take the case of Germany, for example, Turks whose great great grandparents were born there can’t identify as Germans.