Guyana’s Great Rodeo Show

Guyana may be the wild south rather than the wild west, but that doesn’t mean the local cowboys don’t know how to rope cows or buck broncos like its Reno or Redmond rather than the Rupunini.

If it’s a South American version of the Wild West that you want to experience, the Rupununi is the place to head to. Located in the heart of region, the easygoing town of Lethem comes alive in the days running up to the annual Easter Week rodeo. The event is a celebration of horsemanship and the region’s ranching heritage, a goldmine of vaquero action. Since horse-riding and ranch life are intrinsic to the region, it’s only natural that the event the event offers a chance for the community to celebrate its roots.

The sheer riding talent is breathtaking, along with a festive vibe and fun activities for all ages. The rodeo grounds have a fete-like feel, with live music and food stalls, almost everyone clad in boots and cowboy hats. In the arena, local cowboys showcase bareback riding, bull controlling, barrel racing, steer roping and other tactics. The evenings morph into a nightlong party, as DJs and bartenders tap the pulse of the crowd to keep the mood in high spirits.

Lethem boasts only a handful of hotels, so book ahead to reserve a room during the Easter Week rodeo. Visitors can reach the area via road or air. Many public vans operate from Georgetown during this period, but it can take a whole day to traverse the distance. Flights cut the travel time by hours. Many people join the annual Rupununi Safari, which wends though the Pakaraimas and ends up at Lethem after eight days of adventure.

The day after the big event is reserved for a smaller, more intimate rodeo in Sand Creek village, 52 km from Lethem. This is a great chance to experience a local event and try food and drinks, along with more horse and bull battles. Apart from Guyanese cowboys, neighboring Brazilians are also invited to the rodeo.