VISTA — This year’s annual fiesta at Rancho Guajome Adobe in Vista on July 18 offered a wide sampling of the cultures which shaped its century and a half of existence.
In and outside the sprawling 28-room residence, docents and performers displayed the music and crafts unique to the region’s history.
A mariachi plucked a harp in the front courtyard while Native American storytellers regaled children and adults with ancient lore behind the home.
Vista’s Tierra Caliente Ballet Folklorico performed a foot-stomping show in the mild afternoon.
A slew of children’s activities and several food venues rounded out the entertainment.
The big new attraction was the Escaramuza las Golondrinas, a dozen equestriennes riding sidesaddle in complex formations through the backyard arena in vintage costumes which would not have been out of place when the adobe was founded in the mid-19th century.
A relatively recent innovation in Mexican rodeos, the escaramuza gives female riders a chance to show off their skills against the best male riders.
“It’s hard, you know, to ride regular but side saddle’s even worse!” charro Luis De la Torre said. “That’s a lot of balancing.”
This year’s event may be over, but the Rancho Guajome Adobe, located at 2210 N. Santa Fe Avenue in Vista, is open year-round. Call (760) 724-4082 for more information.
previous post
