The National Western Stock Show is a historical event that has been celebrated in Colorado since 1906.
For over 100 years, the stock show has presented many activities and shows for family enjoyment, among them livestock, horse, trade shows, exhibitions and rodeos. Twenty-five years ago, the fair organizers decided to add a Mexican Rodeo, and that was the beginning of The Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza.
In 2019, the National Western Stock Show is supporting various Catholic ministries. If you would like to attend the Catholic Families Night which will be celebrated at the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m., buy your tickets with the promo code: (Catholic). To support the Black Catholic Ministries by attending the Black Cowboy Rodeo, which will be celebrated at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Rodeo on Monday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m., use promo code: (ARCHDEN).
Gerardo (Jerry) Diaz, known as El Charro de Corazon, was assigned as the producer of the Extravaganza.
He spoke with the Denver Catholic about charrería, his faith and his friendship with Father Tomás Fraile.
“First, I want to say that I am very honored that God has given us the blessing, and the ideas to make this beautiful show, which is the most festive and colorful of the Stock Show,” said Diaz.
Jerry is a man of great faith and he brings God to every one of his presentations. As part of its tradition, “From the very first show [celebrated 25 year ago], 20 minutes before the show, we gather together — everybody, the charros, dancers, riders, even the president and the coordinators of the fair —and we pray. We always invite a priest or a deacon to lead the blessing. It’s in our hearts, as people of God. I never start any show without the blessing of God. Without God one is nothing,” he said.
Gerardo places great importance on family and, following the example of his father, Don Pepe Diaz, introduced the tradition of charrería to his son. Nicolas Diaz debuted as the fifth generation of charros in the NWSS arena a year after his birth. He has performed for 14 years next to his mother Staci Diaz.
The Archdiocese of Denver is thankful for the families that participated last year, contributing to the fundraiser with the purchase of their ticket. We hope to see you again at the rodeo!
Buy Tickets
Enter promo code “CATHOLIC” on top of the page for the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza or promo code “ARCHDEN” for the MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo. For more information visit nationalwestern.com.