hebel. today · 12 November 202672 / 74
Beyond Familiar · Strange Places
Cuadrillas de San Martín preserve three centuries of horseback battle re-enactments
In the remote Eastern Plains of Colombia, the town of San Martín hosts the Cuadrillas de San Martín, a tradition of costumed horseback games that has persisted since 1735. Invented by a local Catholic…
From 1 newsletter · 1 min read · one thing to try
In the remote Eastern Plains of Colombia, the town of San Martín hosts the Cuadrillas de San Martín, a tradition of costumed horseback games that has persisted since 1735 (Emily Hart). Invented by a local Catholic priest, the event features participants dressed in elaborate, monstrous disguises performing high-speed chases and choreographed battle re-enactments that blend folkloric pageantry with llanero history.
The performance relies on the precise coordination of riders who execute complex maneuvers to simulate historical conflicts. This ritual serves as a living archive for the community, maintaining cultural identity through physical movement rather than written record. The spectacle occurs annually, transforming the quiet plains into a site of intense, multi-generational display that remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism.
Try today · 45 min
Document a local, recurring event in your area that involves a specific costume, game, or ritual.
Focus on an event that has persisted for at least three generations.